Navratri 2024 is here, marking the propitious beginning of the nine-day-long worship of Goddess Durga. On the first day, which devotees believe is the most auspicious, worship and enjoy the youngest version of the goddess – Maa Shailputri, a deity known and adored for her purity, spirit and devotion. In this context, Day 1 is presented in short here, as well as the Puja Vidhi with focus on primary mantras performance, and its relevance is explained at length.
Who is Maa Shailputri?
Maa Shailputri is the very first form of the goddess Durga, one of the nine goddesses who are worshipped during the nine-day festival. The term ‘Shailputri’ refers to the daughter of the mountains because she is called that as she is believed to be the daughter of Himalaya, king of mountains. She stands for dreams, fears and most importantly love and care for Mother Nature.
In her past life, she was known as Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, hence the name Shailaputri. After her self-immolation in her father's yajna, she became reborn from the solid mass of the Himalayas. Her characteristics are represented in a two-handed form with a Trishul in her right hand and a lotus in her left hand. She sits on a bull called Nandi which represents both strength and tranquility.
Puja Vidhi for Maa Shailputri
According to the beliefs, carrying out the puja on the very first day of Navratri not only helps in enhancing one's spirituality but also helps begin the festival in a right manner. And here is how the puja vidhi is done in an ordered manner.
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Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana): The first activity of the day is devoted to the Kalash Sthapana which refers to the placing of the holy water pot, be it in ones house or any temple. This is also important because it denotes the first of the nine nights of worship activities. Take a regular water pot fill it up with water and place a coconut and few mango leaves on top that filled water pot which shows the arrival of goddess Durga.
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Clean the Area: Clean the area and before proceeding with the ceremony, sprinkle Ganga Jal, holy water, or rose water. The surroundings should be filled with the feeling and emotion of worship.
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Recite the Invocations of Mother Shailputri: On a clean platform, keep the idol or picture of Mother Shailputri. Decorate the deity with red flowers, rice, roli, and turmeric.
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Recite Mantras: Light a diya and recite the mantra of Aadi Shakti Shailputri. “Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah” This mantra seeks appropriate blessings from her in all aspects of life including strength, wealth, and health.
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Offer Bhog: Recite the above prayer and make a simple food offering fruits, sweets, and Kheer as prasad for the deity. These offerings should be made wholeheartedly.
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Aarti: The prayers at the end of these rituals conclude with an Aarti prayer where camphor flame is prayed with the Sahasranama. You may prostrate at her feet as a gesture also of thanksgiving and can offer a few flowers at her feet.
Mantras for Day 1
Mantra chanting is of utmost importance during Navratri puja. On Day 1, devotees chant the following mantra to seek the blessings of Goddess Shailputri:
“Vande Vanchhit Laabhaya Chandrardhakritshekharam |
Vrisharudham Shooldharam Shailputrim Yashasvinim ||
This verse extols the virtues of ‘Maa Shailputri’ and bestows her followers with peace, wealth, and happiness.
Significance of Worshipping Maa Shailputri
The significance of the first day of Navratri is that it signifies the start of something new. Maa Shailputri is the deity, representing this day and avails purity as the first female figure. The deity is also held of the root chakra which is the Muladhara Chakra and covers the very basic things in life that is stability, security, and self-awareness. It is believed that worshipping goddess Shailputri helps in removing negative energies, improving one’s focus, and also bettering the physical and emotional health of an individual.
Her bond with the bull named Nandi indicates the devotion and the resolve with which the adherents are urged to remain strong even when faced with storms. By doing so the devotees protect themselves, and their way of life and embark on the quest for eternal wisdom, which is the essence of her.
Conclusion
Day 1 of Navratri 2024 gives a perfect ambiance to the celebration. The worship of Mother Shailputri carries the message of an individual’s inner strength and purity. As the devotees recite her mantras and perform prayers and other rites, they feel a connection to the divine energy, that is the very essence of Mother Shailputri. Her benevolence is asked for not only the material well-being but also for the well-being at the level of the spirit.
Thanks to the blessings of Devi Shailputri, devotees offered first Navratri greetings and power-packed to commence the festival as the observers geared up for a nine-day celebration of worship, joy and self-discovery!
And thus, we wish you a Happy Navratri!
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
*The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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