Origin of Mahagauri

As per “Gauri Tantra”, “Rudrayamal”, the Goddess Shailaputri is the “Mahagauri”. She was doing severe penance to get Lord Shiva when she was very young. At the age of sixteen years, she was extremely beautiful and was blessed with very fair complexion that’s why her name is Mahagauri, the term “Maha” means extreme and “Gauri” means fair complexion or extremely fair.

Mahagauri is the eighth form of the Navadurga forms of the Hindu goddess Mahadevi. She is worshiped on the eighth day of Navratri. It is believed that Mahagauri can fulfill all the wishes of her devotees. The meaning of the name Mahagauri is extremely bright, clear complexion, she always shining like the moon light. How to Worship Mahagauri: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Form of Mahagauri

Mahagauri is a symbol of purity usually depicted in white color riding on a white bull. She is depicted with four hands: one holding a trident and the other a damru, and the remaining two hands in the posture of dispelling fear and bestowing blessings. She wears a white saree with a golden border. She is riding on the back of a bull.

The Story of Mahagauri

The story of the origin of Mahagauri is as follows, the demons “Shumbha” and “Nishumbha” could be killed by the virgin, beautiful and unmarried woman as per Lord Bramha’s “Varadan”. Mahagauri is also an incarnation of Parvati. Mahadevi Mahagauri killed the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and after war she went to bathe in the river Ganges in the Himalayas.

While Goddess Parvati entered the river Ganga and as soon as she bathed, her black skin was completely washed off and she came back as a beautiful golden woman wearing white robes and attire, hence she got the title of "Mahagauri". She then appeared before the gods (all Devas) who were praying to her on the Himalayas for the destruction of Shumbha and Nishumbha, and worriedly asked them whom they were worshipping. She then pondered and answered his own question and concluded that the all Devas were praying to him after being defeated by the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha.

Then due to the mercy of the gods, Parvati turned black and was called Kalika. Then she transformed into Chandi, Chamunda or Chandraghanta and killed the demon “Dhumralochana”. Goddess Chamunda, who appeared from Chandi's third eye, killed “Chanda” and “Mund”. Chandi then killed “Raktabeej” and his clones, while Chamunda drank their blood. Parvati again transformed into as “Kaushiki” and killed Shumbha and Nishumbha, after which she transformed back into Mahagauri. She is riding on the back of a bull, she headed back home towards Kailash, where Mahadev was waiting for her. The two were reunited once again and lived happily with their sons Kartikeya and Ganesha.

Benefits of Worshipping Mahagauri

Mahadevi Mahagauri, is known as shakti or mother goddess, who appears in many forms, such as Durga, Parvati, Kali and others. She is auspicious, bright and protects good people while punishing those who do bad deeds. Maa Gauri imparts knowledge to the spiritual seeker and removes all types of obstacles, sins, and the fear of death.

Mahagauri and Sahasrara Chakra

Devi Mahagauri is located above the Sahasrara or Crown chakra. Sahasrara Chakra, is the seventh and final major chakra in the body, as per kundalini and ancient yogic and spiritual traditions. It is located at the top of the head, in the cerebral cortex of the brain, and is associated with the colors purple and white.