वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम् |
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम् ||
The first day of Navratri is dedicated to worshipping Ma Shailaputri, the daughter of the mighty Himalayas. Her name itself reflects her essence—Shail means mountain, and Putri means daughter. She is also revered as Parvati, Sati, and Hemavati. Being the first among the nine forms of Durga, Ma Shailaputri represents the beginning of a devotee’s spiritual journey, symbolizing courage, purity, and steadfastness.
Her Form and Attributes
Ma Shailaputri is depicted as serene and radiant, dressed in pure white, embodying calmness and strength. In her right hand, she holds a trishul (trident), symbolizing the victory over the three gunas—Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva. Her left hand holds a lotus, signifying purity and devotion. Her peaceful face inspires stability, fearlessness, and spiritual focus in her devotees. The trishul represents determination and spiritual discipline, while the lotus reflects a heart filled with devotion and inner beauty.
Red is considered her favorite color, symbolizing strength, vitality, courage, and passion. On this day, devotees wear red attire and offer red flowers to her. The color red also resonates with the Muladhara (root) chakra, the foundation of spiritual practice, signifying the start of one’s journey toward higher consciousness.
Significance and Power
According to the Puranas, Ma Shailaputri is the primordial form of divine power. In her previous birth as Sati, she was the daughter of King Daksha. When Daksha insulted Lord Shiva during a grand yagna, Sati immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. She later took birth as the daughter of the Himalayas, emerging as Ma Shailaputri. She embodies patience, resilience, and inner strength. Worshipping her helps devotees focus their mind and take the first step on the path of devotion and spiritual discipline.
Worship Rituals
On the first day of Navratri, devotees begin with a ritualistic bath, followed by the installation of a sacred Kalash, symbolizing the arrival of the divine. Flowers, preferably red or white, are offered along with sacred items like kumkum, rice, milk, ghee, and honey. Devotees perform abhishek (ritual bathing of the idol or image), meditate upon the trident and lotus, and recite mantras such as “ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः.” The worship is concluded with lighting lamps, offering incense, and performing aarti. A special offering of milk is believed to bring peace, health, and prosperity.
Prayer : Ma Shailaputri:
“या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मा शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥”
“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥”
Meaning of Devotion
Devotion to Ma Shailaputri goes beyond ritualistic practice. It is about dedicating oneself wholeheartedly, seeing her as a mother, and surrendering completely. Her worship purifies the mind, brings peace to the household, alleviates worries, and fills the devotee with spiritual energy and determination.
Benefits and Blessings
The Puranas state that those who worship Ma Shailaputri with sincerity and devotion gain immense energy, courage, and stability. She helps destroy negative tendencies and gradually leads the devotee toward higher spiritual awakening.
Spiritual benefits:
- Activation of the Muladhara (root) chakra
- Inner stability and peace
- Elimination of negative thoughts
- Progress in spiritual practice
Material benefits:
- Improved health and vitality
- Family harmony and prosperity
- Removal of obstacles and challenges
- Stability and success in life
Special blessings:
- Help for unmarried women in finding a suitable life partner
- Protection and healthy offspring for expectant mothers
- Success in business ventures and new endeavors
Fasting and Observances:
Many devotees observe a nirjala (waterless) fast, while others take fruit or light meals. Evening aarti and prasadam complete the day’s rituals. Maintaining celibacy and consuming sattvic (pure) food is highly recommended.
Ma Shailaputri, the first goddess of the Navadurga, symbolizes new beginnings, courage, and pure devotion. Worshipping her marks the start of the Navratri festivities and lays the foundation for spiritual progress. With sincere devotion and a pure heart, her blessings ensure peace, stability, courage, and an unwavering spirit in every aspect of life.
