Navratri, the vibrant festival of nine nights, has officially begun on Monday, September 22nd! As the festive spirit starts to fill the air, the first day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Shailputri, the first among the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
According to ancient scriptures like the Shiva Purana, Maa Shailputri is known as the daughter of King Himavat, the lord of the mountains. Her name itself, ‘Shailputri’, translates to ‘daughter of the mountains’. In a previous life, she was Sati, the beloved wife of Lord Shiva. It is said that Sati sacrificed herself in a sacred fire when her father, King Daksha, insulted Lord Shiva. In her subsequent life as Maa Shailputri, she continues to be the devoted consort of Lord Shiva.
Maa Shailputri is often depicted riding Nandi, the sacred bull, and carrying a trident and a lotus. She embodies the combined energies of the cosmic trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – and symbolizes the foundational power of the Earth. Her divine presence is believed to govern the natural world, from the highest peaks to the deepest oceans. Spiritually, she is connected to the Muladhara chakra, the root chakra, which is vital for stability, grounding, and overall well-being.
How to Honor Maa Shailputri:
To welcome Maa Shailputri and seek her blessings, you can incorporate the color white into your attire today. It is also recommended to chant the sacred mantras, ‘Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah’ and ‘Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvini’. Offering ghee is also considered auspicious. Embrace these simple yet powerful practices to connect with her divine energy.
Wishing you a blessed and joyous Navratri!
Explore More on Navratri:
- Discover the significance of the nine colors of Navratri and how to worship the Goddess each day.
- Learn about Maa Shailputri’s specific rituals, auspicious timings, and important mantras for Day 1.