Shailputri Devi: Navratri First Day Goddess!
Maa Shailputri is one of the nine forms of Maa Durga (one among Nav Durga means Nine Durgas) worshipped on the 1st day of Navratri. The name Shailputri is made up of two Sanskrit words. Shail means mountains and Putri means daughter. Shailputri means daughter of mountains. She is also known as Mata Sati Bhavani and Maa Parvati.
Due to her significance amongst all the 9 forms, she is worshipped on the very 1st day of Navratri.
Mata Shailputri Navratri Puja Tithi: Shardiya Navratri – 15th October, Sunday, 2023
NOTE: The exact time for Puja may vary from location to location. Consult your Pandit for Ghatsthapna and more accurate Puja timing in your country/city/town/village.
Beej Mantra – ॐ शं शीं शुं शैलपुत्र्यै नमः
Story Behind Shailputri Devi
Goddess Shailputri was born as the daughter of King Himavat. In her previous birth, she was born as Sati, daughter of King Daksha. She married Bhagwan Shiva against the wishes of her father, who despised Shiva. On hearing of the marriage, he broke all the ties with his daughter Sati.
Once, he organised a Yajna, wherein he invited all the gods and goddesses. Even the other two prominent members of Trimurti – Bhagwan Vishnu and Bhagwan Brahma were invited. But, Mahesh/Shiva was not invited. Sati who longed for her parents wanted to attain the Yajna, despite Shiva’s denial. She persisted so he allowed her to go. When she reached the venue, her father got angry and insulted Shiva. Sati could not endure the humiliation of Shiva and submitted herself to agni in the Yajna.
That angered Shiva, who sent one of his incarnations Bhairav to kill Daksha. Bhagwan Vishnu intervened and brought Daksha back to life with a goat’s head. Bhagwan Shiva was stuck with grief and carried Sati’s body. He was unable to let her go. So, Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to severe Sati’s corpse. Her body parts fell to different places on Earth, known as Shakti-peethas. She was reborn as Shailputri or Parvati and married Bhagwan Shiva.
Maa Shailputri Poojan Vidhi
- The worship of Maa begins with the “Ghatasthapana”. That is the installation of an earthen pot with a mouth open. Fill it with the first seven types of soil called Saptmritika, then sow seven types of food grains and barley seeds. Sprinkle water on the grains until the soil is moist.
- Take a Kalash and fill it with holy water (Gangajal). Add Akshat and place five types of coins and Durva leaves in the water. Arrange five mango leaves upside down around the Kalash’s brim, and put a coconut on top, optionally covering it with a red cloth or tying moli.
- Position the Kalash in the centre of the earthen pot with the sown grains.
- Perform the Durga and Shailputri Aarti.
- Offer five items to the Kalash. Light a ghee lamp, burn dhoop sticks, and offer flowers, scent, and Naivedhya (made of fruits and sweets) to the Kalash. For a detailed explanation related to Puja Vidhi, you can speak to our expert pundits and astrologers at NamoAstro any time.
Mantra
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्यै नमः॥
Prarthana
वन्दे वाज्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्थकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Significance of Worshipping Maa Shailputri
- Moon or Chandra, the provider of fortune, is governed by Shailputri. So, worshipping her can help one in setting off the negative effects of a weak moon.
- The Moon is associated with emotions and the mind. By worshipping Shailputri Maa, individuals attain emotional equilibrium, reducing anxiety and mental distress.
- It brings peace and harmony. It also strengthens the bond between a married couple.
- The worship of Shailputri is not just astrologically significant but also spiritually enriching. It is believed to bring overall well-being, including physical health, mental harmony, and spiritual growth.
Benefits of Performing Shailputri Puja
- Eliminate malefic effects of Moon
- Achieve peace, harmony and forever happiness
- Wards off negative energies
- Keeps you disease-free
- Strengthens relationships between married couples
- Achieve success and stability in career and business
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific time for Shailputri Maa Puja on the 1st day of Navratri?
Devotees usually perform the puja during the bright half of the day, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. In order to know about the exact shubh timing you can speak to a pundit or expert astrologer.
