New Delhi, 26 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered prayers to Maa Mahagauri on the occasion of Chaitra Navratri’s Mahagauri Ashtami and invoked her blessings for happiness, prosperity and good health for all citizens. The message comes on Thursday, the eighth day of the current Chaitra Navratri, which is dedicated to the eighth form of Goddess Durga, Maa Mahagauri.

In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said that he bows thousands of times at the feet of Maa Mahagauri and seeks her divine grace. He wrote that the Goddess’s radiant aura may bring comfort, prosperity and good health in the lives of one and all, framing his message in a devotional tone suited to the Navratri festival.

On the same day, the Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit shloka in praise of the Goddess, highlighting her traditional iconography. The verse reads: “Shvete vrishae samaroodha shvetaambaradhara shuchi Mahaagauri shubham dadyaad mahadevapramodadaa.”

In English, the meaning is: May Maa Mahagauri, who rides a white bull, wears white garments, is supremely pure and delights Lord Shiva, grant me auspiciousness and welfare.

In the Hindu tradition, the eighth day of Navratri is devoted to Maa Mahagauri, who symbolises purity, calmness and inner peace. Devotees believe that worshipping her on this day helps remove mental impurities, dispel negativity and strengthen one’s path of righteousness and spiritual balance.

The Prime Minister’s message aligns with this symbolism, focusing on collective well‑being and harmony across the country on Maha Ashtami.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar