Introduction
Navratri is a significant Hindu festival during which devotees worship Maa Durga in her nine different forms, each representing a unique aspect of the Goddess. The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailaputri, the purest embodiment of Durga, considered a reincarnation of Sati. Each of the nine deities worshipped during Navratri can be traced back to ancient scriptures like the Puranas and Upanishads. These texts provide rich details about their origins and significance. In this article, we will explore Maa Shailaputri—the goddess worshipped on the first day of Navratri—and delve into the myths and facts surrounding her.
Who is Maa Shailaputri?
The first day of Navratri is devoted to Mata Shailaputri, whose name means “daughter (putri) of the mountains (Shaila).” As the daughter of Hemavana, the King of the Himalayas, she is also known by various names such as Sati Bhavani, Hemavati, and Parvati. Maa Shailaputri is revered as the first and most prominent form of Goddess Durga, embodying strength, purity, and divinity.
Iconography:
- Appearance: Maa Shailaputri is depicted as a beautiful young goddess, seated on a bull (Nandi), symbolizing strength and calmness.
- Hands: In her right hand, she holds a trident (Trishul), signifying her control over the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. In her left hand, she holds a lotus, representing purity and spirituality.
- Crown: She often wears a crescent moon on her forehead.
Attributes:
- Trident (Trishul): Symbol of divine power and destruction of evil.
- Lotus: Symbol of purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening.
- Bull (Nandi): Represents calmness and righteous action.
Mantra of Maa Shailaputri
The mantra dedicated to Maa Shailaputri is:
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
(Vande Vanchchitlabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam,
Vrisharudham Shooldharaam Shailputrim Yashaswini)
This mantra describes Maa Shailaputri as riding a bull, carrying a trident in her right hand and a lotus in her left, with a crescent moon adorning her head. She is the goddess who bestows success, prosperity, and fortune upon her devotees. Reciting this mantra is believed to bring long life, peace, and happiness.
The Story of Maa Shailaputri
Maa Shailaputri is a reincarnation of Sati, the daughter of King Daksha and the consort of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Sati wished to attend a grand yagya (sacrificial ceremony) hosted by her father. Although Shiva warned her not to go uninvited, Sati went to the ceremony. Upon arrival, she faced humiliation as Daksha insulted Lord Shiva. Unable to bear the insult, Sati sacrificed herself by leaping into the fire of the yagya.
Devastated by her death, Shiva destroyed the yagya in his fury. Sati was later reborn as Shailaputri, the daughter of Hemavana, and this is how she became known as the goddess of the mountains. (Read More)
Why is Maa Shailaputri Worshipped?
Maa Shailaputri is worshipped for her ability to bestow worldly happiness, prosperity, and peace upon her devotees. It is believed that homes where Maa Shailaputri is worshipped will never face a shortage of food and resources. Among the nine forms of Durga, she is regarded as the most significant, which is why she is honored on the first day of Navratri.
There is an ancient temple dedicated to Maa Shailaputri in Varanasi, where devotees believe that merely catching a glimpse of her idol can fulfill all their wishes. Moreover, she is also worshipped to counteract the adverse effects of the Moon, as she governs this celestial body, which is considered the provider of fortune.
How to Pray to Maa Shailaputri
Maa Shailaputri resides in the Muladhara Chakra (root chakra) of the human body. Awakening this chakra is considered the first step on the spiritual path toward Lord Shiva. On the first day of Navratri, devotees focus on awakening the Muladhara Chakra, as it enhances their meditation and spiritual progress.
Worship of Maa Shailaputri includes fasting, offering white flowers, vermilion, and akshat (unbroken rice), along with reciting the Durga Saptashati Paath. Sweets made of pure ghee are offered to the goddess, and devotees perform her aarti with great devotion, seeking her blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.
Conclusion
According to Hindu mythology, chanting the Shailaputri Mantra regularly, especially on the first day of Navratri, is a powerful way to invoke the blessings of Maa Shailaputri. This practice helps eliminate negativity, bringing health, prosperity, and peace into one’s life. If you seek a deity to transform your fortune and wish for a blissful, prosperous life, Maa Shailaputri is the perfect goddess to worship.
