Day Eight Of Navratri - Pink For Mahagauri Devi
By A Draft Correspondent
As Navratri progresses, each day is associated with a specific colour, and on the eighth day, or Ashtami, the colour pink takes centre stage. Pink, a hue that symbolises universal love, compassion, and nurturing, is a powerful reminder of the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga.
On Durga Ashtami, one of the most significant days of the festival, pink resonates with both the tenderness and the strength that is celebrated during Navratri. This feature delves into the significance of the colour pink, the legends associated with Ashtami, and how the colour continues to inspire trends in the world
Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga, is revered on the eighth day of Navratri, known as Ashtami. She epitomises purity, peace, and serenity, embodying the qualities of compassion and grace. In Hindu mythology, Mahagauri is depicted as a beautiful woman, dressed in white, symbolising purity and tranquility.
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| Mahagauri Devi |
Durga Ashtami marks the day when Goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura, bringing an end to his reign of terror. This day signifies the victory of good over evil, a theme that is prevalent throughout Navratri. According to legend, on this day, the goddess in her warrior form, astride a lion and wielding powerful weapons, destroyed the forces of darkness and restored balance to the universe. While the battle itself reflects fierceness and strength, the day also celebrates the goddess’s compassionate nature as the protector and nurturer of the universe.
The story of Goddess Mahagauri is deeply rooted in her previous incarnation as Goddess Parvati. According to the legends, after undergoing intense penance and hardships to attain Lord Shiva as her husband, Parvati was initially born as the daughter of the mountains. However, after her rigorous tapasya (austerity) to win over Lord Shiva, she transformed into Mahagauri, embodying the ultimate purity and the essence of the divine feminine.The name "Mahagauri" is derived from "Maha," meaning great, and "Gauri," meaning fair or white. It signifies her purity, both in appearance and spirit. The legend states that after years of severe penance and sacrifice, Goddess Parvati was finally accepted by Lord Shiva, who bestowed upon her the title of Mahagauri, representing her elevated spiritual state.In her divine form, Mahagauri is known to have the power to remove obstacles and bestow peace and prosperity upon her devotees. Her worship is believed to grant them the strength to overcome difficulties and attain inner tranquility.Worshipping Goddess Mahagauri is an opportunity for devotees to seek her blessings for purity of heart, peace of mind, and spiritual growth.Worshipping her during Navratri not only brings blessings of tranquility and strength but also serves as a reminder of the power of devotion and the importance of overcoming life’s obstacles with grace and patience. Through rituals and prayers, devotees connect with the divine feminine energy, seeking guidance on their spiritual journeys while embodying the qualities of compassion and purity that Mahagauri represents.
In modern celebrations, pink has taken on a dynamic role. The colour is not only worn by devotees but also finds a prominent place in decorations, offerings, and rituals. In 2024, the trends show that pink has emerged as a popular choice for traditional attire, home décor, and even the floral arrangements used for worship.
Pink sarees, lehengas, and kurtas are often seen as the attire of choice for women and girls attending prayers and celebrations. Pink’s association with grace and femininity makes it a favourite for Kanya Puja, a ritual performed on Ashtami, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the goddess. The colour is also prominent in modern fusion wear, as young devotees blend traditional and contemporary styles, opting for pink shades in Indo-western outfits to celebrate the day.
The colour has also found its way into festive decorations, with homes and pandals adorned in pink flowers, drapes, and lighting. The soft glow of pink lamps and candles creates an atmosphere of serenity and devotion. In 2024, many Navratri pandals across India are expected to embrace sustainable décor trends, with eco-friendly materials and pink floral garlands becoming the highlight of environmentally conscious celebrations.
Pink-coloured sweets, such as gulab jamun and rose-flavoured ladoos, are often offered to the goddess. These delicacies, associated with love and celebration, mirror the colour’s significance and are distributed as prasad to devotees after the puja.
Kanya Puja is one of the most important rituals performed on the eighth day of Navratri. Young girls, symbolising the nine forms of Durga, are worshipped and honoured with gifts, clothes, and food.
