MahaGauri.com - Terms of Use<meta name=description content="MahaGauri.com - Terms of Use" ><link rel=stylesheet type="text/css" href="images/style.css"></head><body bottommargin=0 leftmargin=0 rightmargin=0 topmargin=0 background="images/pagebg.jpg" marginheight=0 marginwidth=0><center><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 height=78 width=776><tbody><tr valign=top><td width=18><img src="images/topleft1.jpg" alt="" border=0 width=18 height=78></td><td width=86></td><td width=189><a href="images/mahagauri.jpg"> <img src="images/logo.jpg" alt="" border=0 width=189 height=78></a></td><td background="images/topbg1.jpg" width="100%"> </td><td width=18><img src="images/topright1.jpg" alt="" border=0 width=18 height=78></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 height=6 width=776><tbody><tr valign=top><td width=18><img src="images/topleft2.jpg" alt="" border=0 width=18 height=6></td><td background="images/topbg2.jpg" width="100%"><img src="images/topbg2.jpg" alt="" border=0 height=6 width=9></td><td width=18><img src="images/topright2.jpg" alt="" border=0 height=6 width=18></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 height=30 width=776><tbody><tr valign=middle><td width=18><img src="images/topleft3.jpg" alt="" border=0 width=18 height=30></td><td background="images/topbg3.jpg" width=740><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width=742><tbody><tr><td width=86><div style="padding-top: 8px; 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padding-left: 18px;"><span class=style1>About MahaGauri</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table bgcolor="#d3e4f5" border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width=156 height=59><tbody><tr valign=top><td height=59><table border=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=156><tbody><tr valign=top><td> <a href="goddess_durga.html">About Goddess Durga</a><br></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff" height=1><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=156><tbody><tr valign=top><td> <a href="different_forms_durga.html">Different Forms of Durga</a><br></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff" height=1><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=156><tbody><tr valign=top><td> <a href="http://www.geetasaar.com/gallery.htm">Origin of Durga</a><br></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff" height=1><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=156><tbody><tr valign=top><td> <a href="http://www.geetasaar.com/gallery.htm">Durga Pooja</a><br></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff" height=1><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=156><tbody><tr valign=top><td> <a href="http://www.geetasaar.com/gallery.htm">Navaratra</a><br></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff" height=1><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=156><tbody><tr valign=top><td> <a href="gallery.htm">Photo Gallery</a><br></td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff" height=1><table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table> <a href="durga_chalisa.html">Durga Chalisa</a><br></td></tr></tbody></table><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><center> </center></td><td width=3><img src="images/spacer.jpg" alt="" border=0 height=1 width=3></td><td width="100%"><table border=1 bordercolor="#ffffff" cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width="100%"><tbody><tr valign=top><td bordercolor="#989898" class=maintext><h1 align=center><u><font color="#FF0066" size=5>MahaGauri </font></u></h1><p align=justify><b>Maha Gauri </b></p><p align=justify>The Eighth Durga is "Maha Gauri." She is as white as a conch, moon and Jasmine. She is of eight years old. Her clothes and ornaments are white and clean. She has three eyes. She rides on bull She has four hands. The above left hand is in "Fearless - Mudra" and lower left hand holds "Trishul." The above right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style. She is calm and peaceful and exists in peaceful style. It is said that when the body of Gauri became dirty due to dust and earth while observing penance, Shiva makes it clean with the waters of Gangas. Then her body became bright like lightening. There fore, she is known as "Maha Gauri" .</p><p align=justify>Goddess Durga is a form of Sakti worshiped for her gracious as well as terrifying aspect. Mother of the Universe, she represents the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of a female dynamism. The manifestation of Goddess Durga is said to emerge from Her formless essence and the two are inseparable.<br><br>She is also called by many other names, such as Parvati, Ambika, and Kali. In the form of Parvati, She is known as the divine spouse of Lord Shiva and is the mother of Her two sons, Ganesha and Karttikeya, and daughter Jyoti. Destroyer of demons, she is worshiped during an annual festival called Durga puja,</p><p align=justify><a href="gallery.htm">Click here</a> to view photos of Gauri Mata</p><div class=bodytext align=justify><b>Durga Shailputri (Daughter of Mountain) </b><br>She is a daughter of Himalaya and first among nine Durgas. In previous birth she was the daughter of Daksha. Her name was Sati - Bhavani. i.e. the wife of Lord Shiva. Once Daksha had organized a big Yagna and did not invite Shiva. But Sati being obstinate, reached there. Thereupon Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati could not tolerate the insult of husband and burnt herself in the fire of Yagna. In other birth she became the daughter of Himalaya in the name of Parvati - Hemvati and got married with Shiva. As per Upnishad she had torn and the egotism of Indra, etc. Devtas. Being ashamed they bowed and prayed that, "In fact, thou are Shakti, we all - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv are capable by getting Shakti from you."<br><br><b>Brahmacharini</b></div><div class=bodytext align=justify>The second Durga Shakti is Brahamcharini. Brahma that is who observes penance(tapa) and good conduct. Here "Brahma" means "Tapa". The idol of this Goddess is very gorgeous. There is rosary in her right hand and Kamandal in left hand. She is full with merriment. One story is famous about her. In previous birth she was Parvati Hemavati the daughter of Himvan. Once when she was busy in games with her friends. Naradaji came to her and predicted seeing her Palm-lines that, "You will get married with a naked-terrible 'Bhole baba' who was with you in the form of Sati, the daughter of Daksh in previous birth. But now you have to perform penance for him." There upon Parvati told her mother Menaka that she would marry none except Shambhu, otherwise she would remain unmarried. Saying this she went to observe penance. That is why her name is famous as tapacharini - Brahmacharini. From that time her name Uma became familiar.<br><br><b>Chandraghanta </b><br>The name of third Shakti is Chandraghanta. There is a half-circular moon in her forehead. She is charmful and bright. She is Golden color. She has three eyes and ten hands holding with ten types of swords - etc. weapons and arrows etc. She is seated on Lion and ready for going in war to fight. She is unprecedented image of bravery. The frightful sound of her bell terrifies all the villains, demons and danavas.<br><br><b>Kushmanda<br></b>Name of fourth Durga is Kushmanda. The Shakti creates egg, ie. Universe by mere laughing .She resides in solar systems. She shines brightly in all the ten directions like Sun. She has eight hands. Seven types of weapons are shining in her seven hands. Rosary is in her right hand. She seems brilliant riding on Lion. She likes the offerings of "Kumhde." Therefore her name "Kushmanda" has become famous.<br><br><b>Skanda Mata</b><br>Fifth name of Durga is "Skanda Mata". The daughter of Himalaya, after observing penance got married with Shiva. She had a son named "Skanda." Skanda is a leader of the army of Gods. Skanda Mata is a deity of fire. Skanda is seated in her lap. She has three eyes and four hands. She is white and seated on a lotus.<br><br><b>Katyayani</b><br>Sixth Durga is Katyayani. The son of "Kat" as "Katya". Rishi Katyayan born in this "Katya" lineage. Katyayan had observed penance with a desire to get paramba as his daughter. As a result she took birth as a daughter of Katyayan. Therefore her name is "Katyayani" . She has three eyes and eight hands. These are eight types of weapons missiles in her seven hands. Her vehicle is Lion.</div><div class=bodytext align=justify><br><b>Kalratri</b><br>Seventh Durga is Kalratri. She is black like night. Durga hairs are unlocked. She has put on necklaces shining like lightening. She has three eyes which are round like universe. Her eyes are bright. Thousands of flames of fire come out while respiring from nose. She rides on donkey. There is sharp sword in her right hand. Her lower hand is in blessing mood. The burning torch (mashal) is in her left hand and her lower left hand is in fearless style, by which she makes her devotees fearless. Being auspicious she is called "Shubhamkari."<br><br><b>Maha Gauri </b><br>The Eighth Durga is "Maha Gauri." She is as white as a conch, moon and Jasmine. She is of eight years old. Her clothes and ornaments are white and clean. She has three eyes. She rides on bull She has four hands. The above left hand is in "Fearless - Mudra" and lower left hand holds "Trishul." The above right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style. She is calm and peaceful and exists in peaceful style. It is said that when the body of Gauri became dirty due to dust and earth while observing penance, Shiva makes it clean with the waters of Gangas. Then her body became bright like lightening. There fore, she is known as "Maha Gauri" .<br><br><b>Siddhidatri </b><br>Ninth Durga us Siddhidatri. There are eight Siddhis , they are- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Iishitva & Vashitva. Maha Shakti gives all these Siddhies. It is said in "Devipuran" that the Supreme God Shiv got all these Siddhies by worshipping Maha Shakti. With her gratitude the half body of Shiv has became of Goddess and there fore his name "Ardhanarishvar" has became famous. The Goddess drives on Lion. She has four hands and looks pleased. This form of Durga is worshiped by all Gods, Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Yogis, Sadhakas and devotees for attaining the best religious asset.</div><br>Navratras — the pious nine days mark the return of festive season throughout the country. Durga puja — the greatest festival of India is celebrated with great enthusiasm in every corner of the country. The nine incarnations of Maa Durga are worshipped with devotion by the devotees of Maa Bhagwati. The nine incarnations of Maa Durga include Shailputri, Brahamcharini, Chandraghanta, Kusumanda, Sikandmata, Katyayni, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri.<p>People worship Durga, the divine mother to seek her blessings and guidance to follow the right path in life. Lord Rama also invoked the blessings of the Divine Mother to destroy Ravana, the symbol of evil. Dusehra festival, which usually falls on the last day of Shri Durga Puja celebrations is observed throughout the country as victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.</p><p>Shri Lakshmi Puja, the goddess of wealth falls on the full moon night following Durga Puja and is celebrated with great devotion. The worship of goddess Kali symbolises the purpose to see removal of darkness from the minds and to imbibe the spirit of light in the way of life. This celebration coincides with the Deepawali festival.</p><p>Shri Saraswati is the goddess of learning. It is a special festival for the learners held on the fifth day of Basant. The days coincide with the harvesting of golden paddy in the villages in eastern parts of the country. The Bengalis show their happiness when the sky becomes clear and there are excellent weather conditions before Durga Puja. People chant hymns and sing bhajans to welcome goddess Uma, the daughter of Bengal at her visit to mother Menka’s house for four days. During these four days, the Bengalis from all castes, creeds and communities eat, sing and dance together and offer prayers to the Divine mother. It is believed that on the tenth day Uma or Gauri goes back to her husband Lord Shiva with a tearful farewell to her parents. People hold Maha Saptami Puja, Maha Ashtami Puja, Maha Navmi Puja and Maha Dashmi Puja at their houses. They invite little unmarried girls — the Kanjaks to their house, worship them and offer red chunnis with prasad of puri, chane and halwa as day symbolises the nine incarnations of Maa Durga.</p><p>Some of the devotees of divine mother keep fast on all nine days. They eat food which is specially prepared for the occasion and include fruits, milk, chappatis of ‘singhare ka atta’ and ‘oghle ka atta’, papads made of sago and many other things prepared for fasts.</p><p>Various shobha yatras are held by the different temple trusts. The tableaux are well decorated with flowers and balloons.</p><p>‘Dandiya’ is the main attraction during these days when children, youngsters and the old ones dance together on various religious and non religious numbers holding ‘Dandiya sticks’ in their hands. They enjoy and offer their prayers to Maa Durga.</p></p><table border=0 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 width="100%"><tbody><tr valign=top><td width=161><img src="images/templatethumb1.jpg" alt="" border=0 width=161 height=119></td><td class=maintext width="100%"><br><p> </td></tr></tbody></table><table border=0 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 width="100%"><tbody><tr valign=top><td class=maintext width="100%"><br> </td><td width=161><img src="images/templatethumb2.jpg" alt="" border=0 width=161 height=118></td></tr></tbody></table><p align=justify>If you have any questions or comments concerning this website, please fell to contact me, I answer all e-mails. 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