On the eighth day of Navratri, Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth form of nine Durgas, is worshiped. Goddess Mahagauri is of Gaur Varna and is the representative of Suhagins. In the folk tradition, this goddess is also known as Gauraji, Gauri Maiya and Gaura Mata. She is considered a form of Uma Parvati and this goddess is worshiped in Gauri Puja before marriage in many places. It is also called Gauri Mangala Vrat. Sitaji also observed Gauri Mangala fast before marriage. It is mentioned in both Ramcharit Manas and Ramayana.
Saint Tulsidas has placed the essence of Durga Saptashati in the Ramcharit Manas. If you have not been able to recite Saptashati throughout Navratri, then on this day of worship of Goddess Mahagauri, recite only those chaupis of Ramcharit Manas, in which Mata Sita is praying to get a boon from Gauri after worship. He prayed when Sitaji first saw Shriram in Pushp Vatika and at that moment he remembered his father’s pledge.
She knew that the beginning of her life is now bound by a bow, so Sitaji started thinking how this Sukumar Kishore would be able to raise a heavy Shiva bow. Thinking so, she became distraught. In this way, she started praying to Maa Gauri in her mind and in this state she ran towards Gauri temple by rescuing her hands. Suddenly, what happened to them could not understand the secret stories.
Tulsidas has described this situation in this way …
Knowing hard Sivachapa Bisurati. Rakhi ur Syamal Murti. When God knows Sukh Sneh Sobha Gun Khani. The ultimate loving gentle ink. Four minds written. Gaya Bhavani Bhavan Bahori. Candiden Charan Boli hard.
Goddess Sita worshiped Parvati ji with various names. After this, Sita ji reached Gauri temple with fast steps and started calling Parvati ji with many names. These are the same names which are written in Sridurga Ashtottam Shanatam Strot of Saptashati. Sita ji would sometimes call Gauri Mata as the mother of Karthikeya-Ganesh, sometimes Shivpriya. Sometimes she used to say the daughter of the mountain, sometimes Durga-Amba would call. Whatever name she remembers, she would pray for the same name. Parvati, who was sitting on Kailash, also became emotional after seeing this situation.
Saint Tulsidas has written these four-wheelers for the time when Sita ji is repeatedly pleading with Gauri Mata that the image of the person who has settled in my heart is realized in my life. This is the only request. You know what is in my mind, because you live in everyone’s heart. Identify what has come in my heart and fulfill that wish.
The goddess was moved by Sitaji’s prayer. Subsequently, Gauri Mata, who was actually watching everything from Kailas, was moved by this loving praise, she was distracted, her garland slipped and she laughed thinking something. His laughter also appeared in the statue of Gauri in front of Sita ji. The goddess was pleased and took off her necklace and put it in Sitaji’s neck. This makes Sitaji believe that the goddess is pleased and she has received her blessings. Then Sita ji returned to her home after receiving the desired boon.
You should also praise Gauri Mata by Sita ji.
Jai Jai Girivarraj Kishori. Jai Mahesh Mukh Chand Chakori. Jai Gajbadan Conspiracy Mata. Jagat Janani sings Damini Duti.
Goddess Kamal worship you. All are happy under the male. More Manorath Janhu Niken. Bashu sada ur pur sabhin॥
The reason does not appear. As Kahi Charan Gehe Baade not. Binay Prem Bus Bhai Bhavani. Khasi Mal Murti Musukani॥ Regards Sian Prasadu Sir Dhareu. Bid Gari Harshu Hi Bhareu.
Listen to the truth, bless us. Worship your mind Narada Bachan always suchi true. So instead of meeting, Manu created.
Manu Jahan Racheu Milhi So Sahaj Sundar. Karuna Nidhan Sujan Selu Snehu Janat Ravaro. Harsheen Ali including Gauri Asis Suni Siya. Pooji Tulsi Bhavani again went to Mudit Mana Temple.
