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What is the story behind goddess Mahagauri
What is the story behind goddess Mahagauri – Goddess Mahagauri is one of the manifestations of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is widely worshipped in Hindu mythology. According to Hindu beliefs, Durga is the ultimate feminine power or Shakti and represents the divine energy that preserves the universe and destroys evil forces.
The story of Goddess Mahagauri is associated with the nine-day festival called Navaratri, during which different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Mahagauri is the eighth form of Durga and is worshipped on the eighth day of Navaratri.
According to the legend, once there was a beautiful princess named Parvati, the daughter of King Himalaya. Parvati was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva and desired to marry him. She embarked on a severe penance and performed rigorous austerities to win his favor. She renounced all worldly pleasures, meditated for years, and observed strict fasting.
After several years, her prayers and dedication pleased Lord Shiva, who appeared before her and accepted her as his consort. Parvati’s long penance had a profound effect on her physical appearance. Her body turned dark and dirty due to the intense tapas (austerity) she had undertaken.
Pleased with her devotion and dedication, Lord Shiva cleansed Parvati with the waters of the holy Ganga (Ganges River), restoring her original fair complexion. From that moment, she came to be known as Mahagauri, meaning “extremely white” or “extremely radiant.” She is depicted as a fair-skinned goddess with a serene and compassionate expression, symbolizing purity, grace, and power.
Another legend depicts that goddess Durga fade out some of her radience due to fierce battle with demon Mahishasura in the form of Katyayani and demon Raktabeeja in the form of Kalaratri. She regains her radience with holy water of Ganga and comes out in the form of Mahagauri.
Goddess Mahagauri is often portrayed as a young woman with four arms. She holds a trident (trishul) in one hand and a tambourine (damru) in another. Her remaining two hands are in the gestures of blessing and protection. She rides a white bull, symbolizing righteousness and dharma.
Devotees worship Mahagauri during Navaratri to seek her blessings for purity, peace, and spiritual growth. It is believed that her worship removes impurities, bestows wisdom, and brings auspiciousness into the lives of her devotees.
Thus, the story of Goddess Mahagauri highlights the significance of devotion, penance, and the transformative power of the divine in Hindu mythology.
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Goddess Durga Stories | Indian Mythology Stories
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