The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, a revered form of Goddess Durga. She embodies strength and purity, representing the essence of feminine power. As the daughter of the mountains (Shail), she is often depicted riding a bull and holding a trident (trishul) and a lotus. Maa Shailputri is revered for her unwavering strength and is considered the epitome of determination and resilience. Devotees invoke her blessings to overcome obstacles and gain stability in life.
Day Dedicated to Maa Shailputri
Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the Pratham (first) day of Navratri, which falls on October 3, 2024, in this year’s Sharad Navratri celebration. The first day sets the tone for the entire festival, marking the beginning of the nine days dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine.
Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
Performing the Puja for Maa Shailputri involves a series of rituals that enhance the spiritual atmosphere and invite her blessings. Here’s a simple Puja Vidhi:
Preparation of the Altar: Set up a clean space for the Puja, adorned with flowers and a photo or idol of Maa Shailputri.
Kalash Sthapana: Place a Kalash filled with water on the altar, adorned with mango leaves and a coconut. This symbolizes the presence of the goddess.
Lighting the Diya: Light a diya (lamp) to illuminate the space and create a divine ambiance.
Offering Flowers and Fruits: Offer fresh flowers and fruits to the goddess as a sign of devotion.
Reciting Mantras and Stotra: Chant Maa Shailputri’s mantras and stotra to invoke her blessings.
Mantras for Maa Shailputri
One of the most popular mantras for Maa Shailputri is: “Om Shailputryai Namah”
"Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichaye Om Shailputri Dewya Namah"
While chanting the mantra, offer flowers and gutika to the Goddess and place them on her picture. After that, offer bhog and chant the mantra given below at least 108 times.
"Om Shan Shailputri Dewya" After chanting the mantra 108 times, pray to the Goddess and perform aarti and kirtan.
This mantra helps devotees connect with the divine energy of the goddess.
Maa Shailputri Stotra:
Maa Shailputri Stotra Path is a powerful invocation that devotees recite to seek blessings for strength, wisdom, and spiritual growth from Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Durga worshipped during Navratri.
At the end of the Puja, devotees perform the Aarti for Maa Shailputri. The Aarti is a devotional song sung in praise of the goddess, expressing gratitude for her blessings and asking for her divine protection.
Shailputri maa bail asavaar,
kare devta jay jay kaar. (1)
Shiv shankar ki priya bhavani,
teri mahima kisi ne na jaani. (2)
Parvathi tu uma kahlave,
Jo tujhe sumire so sukh paave. (3)
Riddhi siddhi parvaan kare tu,
daya kare dhanvan kare tu. (4)
Somvaar ko shiv sangh pyari,
Aarti jisne teri utaari. (5)
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Shailputri was born as the daughter of the Himalayas, embodying the spirit of nature. She is considered the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, who took the form of Shailputri to fulfill her devotion to Lord Shiva. Her story begins in the mountains, where she was born to King Himavan and Queen Mena, the rulers of the Himalayan region.
As a child, Shailputri exhibited extraordinary qualities, embodying the virtues of purity, strength, and grace. Her innate connection to the mountains endowed her with immense power, and she was destined to become a significant figure in Hindu mythology.
The Quest for Lord Shiva
The Katha of Maa Shailputri emphasizes her unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. From a young age, she was deeply in love with Lord Shiva and aspired to marry him. Understanding the importance of devotion in attaining her goal, she undertook severe penance and meditation in the mountains. Her intense devotion and determination caught the attention of the divine, and she was blessed with divine grace.
As she meditated, she faced numerous challenges and hardships, including various tests of her strength and devotion. Despite these challenges, her love for Shiva remained unshaken. Her unwavering spirit ultimately led to her transformation into the formidable Maa Durga, showcasing the power of devotion and perseverance.
The Reunion with Lord Shiva
Eventually, Lord Shiva was moved by her intense devotion and accepted her as his divine consort. Their union symbolizes the balance between male and female energies in the universe, highlighting the significance of harmony in creation. This divine marriage is celebrated by devotees during the Navratri festival, as they honor Maa Shailputri for her strength and devotion.
Conclusion
The first day of Navratri, dedicated to Maa Shailputri, is a powerful opportunity for devotees to seek strength and guidance. By following the Puja Vidhi, reciting her mantras, and performing Aarti, devotees can establish a profound connection with the divine and invite her blessings into their lives for the nine days of the festival and beyond.
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