Day Eight of Navratri – Maha Gauri

Durga Ashthami is very auspicious among most of Bengalis and other communities; it is very important day in Navratri celebration. It is very well known that when the body of Goddess Gauri got dirty because of dust and earth at the same time as she was doing meditation as to get Lord Shiva as her husband. So, after this kind of meditation Lord Shiva was pleased and he cleaned her with the holy waters of Ganges. Her body changed into bright and glowing akin to lightening and so her eighth form is identified as “Maha Gauri”. It is really amazing that her clothes and ornaments are also white and bright in nature.

Her countenance is peaceful and quiet and she has three eyes and rides on a bull. Her four hands represent diverse meanings such as the left hand is in the intrepid signal and the lower on holds a trident. The above right hand has tambourine and lower right hand is in blessing style.

Day Seven of Navratri – Kalratri

Ratri in Sanskrit that turn out to translate in to night, and so her complexion is as dark as the night. She has very long, unmated hair with her three eyes that are shimmering and dazzling. She has four arms and is seen escalated on a Shav/Shava or dead body. Her right hand seizes and clutches a sword, while her lower hand is in a blessing stance. The left hand possesses a burning torch and the lower left hand is in courageous and valiant position.

She is very much well known and popular as Shubhamkari or the auspicious one. Her appearance supports her devotees to be brave and bold.