The eighth form of the Mother Divine is called Mahagauri, and she is worshipped on Ashtami (the eighth day of Navratri). She is known by other names as well, including Shwetambardhara (dressed in white clothes), Vrisharudha (rides the bull), Chaturbhuji (has four hands) and Shambhavi (bestows bliss and happiness).

Form of Mahagauri 

Her fair complexion is compared to the whiteness of the conch, moon and jasmine flowers. (‘Maha’ meaning great and ‘Gauri’ means white). Seated on a white vrishabha (bull), Devi Mahagauri is depicted with three eyes and four arms. Two of her arms on either side are in the varada and abhay mudras, to bless her devotees and remove all fear from their lives. Her other arms hold the trishul (trident) and damru ( tambourine ). Her clothes and ornaments are white and pure. 

What Mahagauri represents 

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.  

Significance of Mahagauri

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explains: 

Mahagauri means that form which is beautiful and resplendent. If you see, Nature has two extremes. One of the forms is Kaalratri which is most terrifying and devastating. On the other hand, you see Mahagauri, which is the most beautiful and serene form of the Mother Divine. Mahagauri represents the epitome of beauty. Mahagauri confers and fulfills all your wishes and desires. Devi Mahagauri gives you all blessings and boons that you seek for material gains, so that you become content from within and move forward in life.

Gauri also means that which gives you knowledge, makes you move in life, and liberates you. Mahagauri gives momentum and ultimate freedom in life, she brings liberation.