On the day of Durga Ashtami, the eighth form of Mata, Mahagauri is worshipped. Due to her fair complexion, she was named Mahagauri. Worshipping this form of Goddess pleases her and blesses the devotee with success in all his works.
On this day Coconut is offered to the Goddess as Bhog. There is also a tradition of donating Coconut to the Brahmans. Goddess Mahagauri fulfills the wishes of childless couples with children.
The incarnation of Maa Durga – Mythological Facts
According to a mythological story, to free the Gods from the terror of the Demons, the mouth of Mata Durga appeared from the splendor of Lord Shiva; the hairs appeared from the magnificence of Yamraj; the arms from Lord Vishnu; the breasts from Moon and waist from Indra. The magnificence of Varun created the thighs and calf; Navel(Umbilical Chord) from Earth; foot from the magnificence of Brahma; fingers appeared from the splendor of Sun; nose appeared from the magnificence of Kuber; teeth and the three eyes from Agni and eyebrows from Vayu. In the same way, the other body parts of the Goddess Durga are also formed.
Why is Kanya Pujan important?
It is a custom to wash and clean the feet of these nine young girls as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then offer new clothes as gifts by the devotee. Kanya puja as a part of Devi worship is to recognize the feminine power vested in the girl child.
