Maha Gauri

Goddess Mahagauri is believed to be the 16-year-old unmarried form of Goddess Parvati. She represents purity, calmness, wisdom and austerity. 'Gauri' also signifies that she is the daughter of Giri (mountain). Mahagauri defeats all evil forces from creation. She also helps a devotee overcome the evil forces within. Legend behind why the Devi took the form of Mahagauri Goddess Gauri is the kanya (unmarried girl) who performed severe tapas (penance) to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. According to mythology, the kanya was none other than Goddess Parvati. She performed severe penance for many years and due to this, dust settled on her skin, making her appear black. Lord Shiva was pleased with her penance and blessed her with the promise of marriage. The sacred water of the river Ganga was used to wash the soil and dust from Goddess Parvati, turning her skin white and she came to be known as Mahagauri.