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Sharad Navratri 2026 Day 8: Sharad Navratri Day 8 is celebrated as Maha Ashtami or Durgashtami and is dedicated to the worship of Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga among the Navdurga. Observed on the Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Ashwin month, this sacred day is traditionally associated with purity, peace, forgiveness, spiritual growth, and liberation.
The name Mahagauri means exceptionally radiant or fair, with Maha meaning great and Gauri referring to a fair or radiant complexion. According to Hindu traditions, Goddess Parvati performed intense penance to attain Lord Shiva, during which her complexion became dark. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva is believed to have cleansed her with the holy waters of the Ganges, restoring her radiant complexion. Maa Mahagauri is traditionally compared to the brightness of the moon, conch, and jasmine flower. Devotees worship her with the belief that her blessings help purify the mind and soul, remove negativity, and bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength.
Through this special blog by AstroSage AI, let us explore the date and auspicious timings of Sharad Navratri Day 8 2026, along with Maa Mahagauri Puja Vidhi, Kanya Puja significance, important rituals, and traditional remedies.
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Sharad Navratri 2026 Day 8: Date & Tithi Timings
In 2026, the eighth day of Sharad Navratri, celebrated as Maha Ashtami or Durgashtami, will be observed on Sunday, 18 October 2026. This day holds special significance for the worship of Maa Mahagauri and the performance of Kanya Puja, which is traditionally believed to bring happiness, prosperity, peace, and spiritual merit to the family. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and seek the blessings of the Goddess for purity of mind, fulfillment of wishes, and overall well-being.
Sharad Navratri Day 8 Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Ashtami Tithi Begins: 08:29 AM on 18 October 2026
Ashtami Tithi Ends: 10:53 AM on 19 October 2026
Auspicious Puja Time (Abhijit Muhurat): 11:43 AM to 12:29 PM
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Spiritual Significance Of Maa Mahagauri & Kanya Puja
According to Hindu traditions, Maa Mahagauri is depicted with four arms and is traditionally shown riding a white bull (Vrishabha). She holds a Trishul in her upper right hand, while her lower right hand displays the Abhaya Mudra, symbolising fearlessness. Her upper left hand holds a Damru, and her lower left hand displays the Varada Mudra, symbolising blessings. Dressed in white garments and adorned with traditional ornaments, Maa Mahagauri is associated with purity, peace, and serenity.
Maha Ashtami is also considered an important day for performing Kanya Puja or Kumari Puja. During this ritual, young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. In many traditions, a young boy representing Bhairava is also included. Devotees wash their feet, offer them food, gifts, and other items, and seek the blessings of the Divine Mother through this sacred practice.
In astrology, Maa Mahagauri is associated with the planet Rahu. Devotees worship her with the belief that her blessings can help reduce the adverse effects associated with Rahu, overcome confusion and fear, and promote greater mental clarity, stability, and spiritual strength.
Sharad Navratri Day 8: Step-By-Step Maa Mahagauri Puja Vidhi
To seek the blessings of Maa Mahagauri on Maha Ashtami, devotees can follow these traditional worship rituals:
- Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, take a bath, clean the Puja area, and wear clean white, pink, or peacock-green clothes.
- Place the idol or image of Maa Mahagauri on the altar and offer Mogra, Night Jasmine, or other white flowers along with Akshat, Kumkum, and Chandan.
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- Offer coconut or coconut-based preparations, Halwa, Puri, and Chana to the Goddess. According to traditional beliefs, offering coconut on Ashtami is associated with the removal of unhappiness and the fulfilment of wishes.
- Worship young girls between the ages of 2 and 10 as manifestations of Goddess Durga. Wash their feet, apply Tilak, serve them Puri, Chana, and Halwa, and offer Dakshina or gifts. Finally, seek their blessings by respectfully touching their feet.
- Light a Ghee Diya, recite the Durga Saptashati and Maa Mahagauri Aarti, and distribute Prasad among family members and devotees.
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Sharad Navratri Day 8: Auspicious Color & Remedies For Navratri Day 8
- Wearing peacock green or white on Maha Ashtami is considered auspicious. These colours are traditionally associated with peace, harmony, purity, renewal, and divine grace.
- Offer a whole coconut or coconut-based sweets to Maa Mahagauri. According to traditional beliefs, this offering helps remove financial difficulties and attract prosperity and happiness to the family.
- During Puja, devotees can chant “Om Devi Mahagaurye Namah” or “Shvetavrishesamarudha Shvetambaradhara Shuchih, Mahagauri Shubham Dadyat Mahadeva Pramodada” 108 times with devotion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sharad Navratri Day 8 will be celebrated on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
Maa Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on Navratri Day 8.
Coconut, along with Halwa, Puri, and Black Chana, is offered as a special Bhog to Maa Mahagauri on Navratri Day 8.