Day 8 of Navratri 2025 will be celebrated with devotion and grandeur. This day is dedicated to Goddess Maha Gauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. She is known for her purity, calm nature and power to remove all obstacles. Devotees believe that worshipping her brings peace, prosperity and liberation from past sins.
Navratri Day 8: Who is Goddess Maha Gauri?
The name Maha Gauri comes from two Sanskrit words: Maha (great) and Gauri (fair and pure). According to mythology, Goddess Parvati undertook severe penance to unite with Lord Shiva. Her complexion darkened during the penance. However, after Lord Shiva bathed her in the holy waters of the Ganga, she regained a radiant fair glow and came to be worshipped as Maha Gauri.
She is often portrayed riding a bull, dressed in pure white clothes, holding a trident and a damru. Two of her hands bless devotees in Abhaya (protection) and Varada (granting boons) mudras. Her serene and compassionate appearance symbolises hope, peace, and transformation.
Significance And Symbolism
Maha Gauri symbolises ultimate purity and spiritual growth. Worshipping her is said to wash away past sins, reduce obstacles and bring clarity in life. She is also associated with Rahu (a planetary force) and her blessings are believed to reduce Rahu’s ill effects. Devotees pray to her for prosperity, compassion and liberation from negativity.
Navratri 2025 Day 8: Rituals And Worship Method
On Day 8 of Navratri, devotees start with a purifying bath and wear clean clothes (preferably white). The puja space is decorated with an idol or picture of Maha Gauri, often adorned with jasmine or marigold flowers. A sacred Kalash is also placed during the rituals.
A ghee lamp and incense sticks are lit, followed by chanting of Maha Gauri mantras or the Durga Chalisa. Offerings typically include white or pink sweets, bananas, coconut, puri, kheer and panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar). Many households also perform Kanya Pujan, where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the Goddess.
Navratri 2025 Day 8 Colour
Traditionally, the colour of Day 8 is white, which represents peace and purity. Some traditions also link the day with pink, symbolising love. For Navratri 2025, many almanacs highlight peacock green as the colour of the day, which stands for compassion and harmony. Wearing these colours is considered auspicious while offering prayers.
Cultural Observances
Day 8 of Navratri is also celebrated as Mahashtami. It holds great spiritual value as devotees believe that Maha Gauri’s blessings remove obstacles, fulfil wishes and bring joy. Many communities mark this day with special feasts, music and dance as part of Durga Puja and Garba celebrations across India.
