PM Modi Extends Greetings on Navratri 2024 Day 8, Shares Hymn of Maa Mahagauri

NAVRATRI 2024 DAY 8: As India revels in the vibrant festivities of Navratri 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the eighth day by offering prayers and reverence to Maa Mahagauri. Sharing a devotional hymn on X, formerly Twitter, he extended warm wishes to the nation, stating, “Worshipping the feet of Maa Mahagauri in Navratri! With the blessings of the Goddess Maa, may there be prosperity and happiness in the lives of all her devotees. With this wish, this prayer of hers is offered…”

Navratri, a nine-night celebration, honours the nine forms of Goddess Durga: Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri. The festivities will culminate on October 12 with the joyous celebration of Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami.

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Navratri Day 8: Reverence for Maa Mahagauri

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Mahagauri earned her name from her radiant beauty and exceptionally fair complexion, said to have been hers even as the youthful Goddess Shailputri at the age of sixteen. Devotees revere her on the eighth day of Navratri.

Iconography depicts Maa Mahagauri gracefully riding a bull, known as Vrisharudha. Her four hands each hold significant symbols: a Trishul in one right hand, the other forming the Abhaya Mudra; a Damaru in one left hand, and the other positioned in Varada Mudra.

Dussehra 2024: Marking the Triumph of Good on October 12

This year, the Hindu calendar marks the beginning of Shardiya Navratri on October 3, culminating on October 12 with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami. Considered the most significant of all Navratri celebrations, Shardiya Navratri graces the lunar month of Ashwin during Sharad Ritu.

While states like Maharashtra and Gujarat observe the festival for the full nine days, others, like West Bengal, focus on the final five days, commencing with Maha Shasthi.

DURGA ASHTAMI 2024: PUJA VIDHI AND SIGNIFICANCE

Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

• Prepare a clean puja area and set up an altar.
• Place an idol or image of Maa Durga, ideally in her Mahagauri form, at the center.
• Begin with a prayer, seeking blessings and stating your intention for performing the puja.
• Place a kalash (pot) filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut, symbolizing the divine presence.
• Invoke Maa Durga through chanting mantras and offering flowers.
• Offer a variety of food items, including fruits, sweets, and traditional dishes like khichdi and kheer.
• Perform the aarti (light offering) while singing devotional songs.
• Read or listen to the Durga Saptashati (Chandi Path) to honour the goddess.
• Married women often participate in Sindoor Khela, playfully applying sindoor on each other and the goddess as a symbol of marital bliss.
• Share the prasad (blessed food) with family and friends after the puja.

DURGA ASHTAMI SIGNIFICANCE

Durga Ashtami, to be celebrated on October 11, commemorates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, embodying the victory of good over evil.

The day is considered highly auspicious for spiritual renewal and embarking on new ventures.

It is a time for devotees to express gratitude, seek blessings for strength, and cultivate deeper devotion.

Durga Ashtami fosters a sense of community by bringing people together in celebration, emphasizing unity and shared cultural heritage.