Shailaputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, is worshiped on the first day of Navaratri. Her name is a combination of two words: “Shaila,” which means mountain, and “putri,” which means daughter. Shailaputri is often referred to as the Daughter of the Mountain because she is believed to be the reincarnation of Sati, the daughter of King Daksha and the consort of Lord Shiva.
- Shailaputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, is depicted as a young woman riding a bull.
- “Shaila” means mountain, and “putri” means daughter, so she is also known as the Daughter of the Mountain.
- Devotees seek her blessings for strength, courage, and stability.
Appearance and Depiction:
- Shailaputri is depicted as a young and graceful Goddess with two hands.
- She holds a lotus flower in her left hand and a trident (trishul) in her right hand.
- She is often shown riding a bull, which is her mount (vahana).
- She is adorned in white attire, symbolizing purity and serenity.
Significance:
- Shailaputri represents the essence of Mother Nature and the power of creation.
- Her association with the mountains signifies stability and strength.
- Worshiping Shailaputri is believed to bring inner strength, courage, and determination.
- Devotees seek her blessings for overcoming challenges and obstacles in life.
- Shailaputri signifies the beginning of a seeker’s spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of a strong and stable foundation.
- Her worship teaches us to be grounded, just like the mountains, and face life’s challenges with unwavering determination.
Materials
- A pot
- A clay pot
- Ganga water
- Rice
- Akshat
- Red flowers
- Kumkum
- Roli
- Incense
- Diya
- Fruits
- Sweets
- Naivedya
Puja Vidhi
- Wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
- Clean the puja place and install the Kalash.
- Place Ganga water, rice, akshat, red flowers, kumkum, roli, incense, diya, and naivedya in the Kalash.
- Install the idol or picture of Maa Shailaputri.
- Meditate on Maa Shailaputri and chant her mantras.
- Offer white flowers to Maa Shailaputri.
- Offer a white cloth to Maa Shailaputri.
- Light a ghee lamp for Maa Shailaputri.
- Perform the aarti of Maa Shailaputri.
- Pray to Maa Shailaputri for the fulfillment of all your wishes.
Mantras
- Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah
- Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita। Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namastasyai Namo Namah।।
- Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrarddhakritshekharam। Vrisharuddham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashaswinim।।
- While worshiping Shailaputri on the first day of Navaratri, you can chant the following mantra:
- “ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः”
- Pronunciation: “Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah”
Bhog
- Offer ghee-based sweets to Maa Shailaputri.
- You can also offer other sweets or fruits as bhog.
Offerings:
- Offer white flowers, milk, and sweets to the Goddess as a symbol of purity.
- Light a ghee lamp or incense to create a divine atmosphere.
- Perform aarti (ritual of waving a lit lamp in front of the deity) with devotion.
Devotional Practices:
- Devotees often observe fasts on the first day of Navaratri and break their fast after offering prayers to Shailaputri.
- They visit temples dedicated to her or create a home shrine to perform puja (worship) with utmost devotion.
Here are some additional tips for performing Shailaputri Puja:
- The puja should be performed in a clean and sacred place.
- The worshipper should wear clean and comfortable clothes.
- The puja should be performed with a pure and focused mind.
- The mantras should be chanted with devotion and concentration.
May Maa Shailaputri bless you with all the happiness and prosperity in the world!
On the first day of Navaratri, devotees celebrate the divine feminine energy in the form of Shailaputri. By worshiping her with devotion, they seek her blessings for inner strength, courage, and a firm foundation on their spiritual and life journeys.
Shailaputri Puja is an important Hindu ritual that is performed on the first day of Navaratri. This puja bestows the blessings of Maa Durga and fulfills all wishes.