Chaitra Navratri Ashtami 2026 Day 8: Maa Mahagauri, kanya pujan, rituals, mantra and significance

Chaitra Navratri has come to the conclusion as we are going to celebrate Chaitra Durga Ashtami on March 26, 2026. The day is devoted to worship Goddess Durga. On this sacred day, devotees offer their prayers to the eighth form of Goddess Durga, Mahagauri. Some devotees do kirtan or jagran on this day while some organise hawan. Kanya Puja is performed on this specific day when devotees invite nine small girls at home and worship them in thee form of nine different Goddess. Chaitra Navratri began this year on March 19 and will end on March 27 with Ram Navami. Chaitra Durga Ashtami is being celebrated on March 26, 2026.

Durga Ashtami 2026: Date and Time

Ashtami Tithi Begins - March 25, 2026 - 01:53 PM

Ashtami Tithi Ends - March 26, 2026 - 11:51 AM

Durga Ashtami 2026: Significance

The day holds a great religious and spiritual significance among Hindus. According to Hindu scriptures, all the gods worshipped and prayed to Goddess Durga once Maa Kaalratri appeared in her normal form after defeating all the demons. Maa Durga is regarded as the universe's mother and the force responsible for its creation, destruction, and maintenance. She is mother of this universe. With ten hands, Goddess Durga gives protection to her devotees holding various weapons. The victory of Goddess Durga over the demons Mahishasura, Chand Munda, Shumbh Nishumbh, and Raktabeej is commemorated on Durga Ashtami.

Maha Gauri Maa, who has a radiant fair skin, is worshipped by devotees across the country. She adorns herself with white clothes. She is a symbol of serenity and calmness. Those, who worship the Goddess with pure devotion receive the blessings of Maa Gauri in the form of money, happiness, prosperity, and good health. Prosperity, happiness, wealth, and health are bestowed upon those, who worship the Goddess with deep devotion. The lower hand is in the position of giving blessings to the devotees, while the left upper hand is holding a "Damru."

Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 8: Puja Vidhi

1. Take a holy bath as soon as you wake up.

2. Prepare the satvik food, such as halwa, poori, and chana, and break the coconut.

3. Light a diya with desi ghee in front of the idol, offer shringar items, tilak, and flowers or garlands.

4. Offer the prepared bhog prasad to Goddess Durga.

5. Invite nine small girls, from age four to twelve.

6. Clean their feet, tie mauli (sacred thread) around their wrists, and apply tilak.

7. Serve them food (poori, chana, and soojhi halwa) and a small piece of coconut.

8. Devotees give them gifts and dakshina.

9. Touch their feet to seek their blessings.

10. Food, fruits, and clothing should also be donated to underprivileged and needy females.

Maha Gauri Mantra:

1. ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Maha Gaurya Namah..!!

2. ॐ सर्वमंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके। शरण्ये त्रयम्बके गौरी नारायणी नमोस्तुते।।Om Sarva Mangal Mangalayayei Shive Sarvartha Sadhike..! Sharanyayi Triambike Gauri Narayani Namostute..!!3. सर्वाबाधा विनिर्मुक्तो, धन धान्यः सुतान्वितः। मनुष्यो मत्प्रसादेन भविष्यति न संशयः ॥Sarvabadha Vnirmukto Dhan Dhaanyaye Sutavvitaha..! Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah..!!