Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated twice a year, in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin. It is dedicated to worshipping the divine feminine, the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as the Navadurga. It is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm throughout India and by Hindus worldwide. During the nine nights of Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, with each day representing a different aspect of the goddess. Devi Durga is the form of Shakti or the Infinite Power. It is believed that she manifested herself into nine divine forms collectively known as Navadurga or nine Durgas. The first day of the festival is dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri, the first form of Durga and the daughter of the Himalayas.

The festival culminates with celebrating Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil, as Lord Rama defeats the demon king Ravana. Diwali, the festival of lights, is also celebrated soon after Navratri, and it celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile.

Performing puja on the first day of Navratri, especially for Goddess Shailaputri, is considered highly auspicious. You can ensure the proper performance of the ritual by booking a pandit through SmartPuja. Our team of pandits offer online pandit booking services for 400+ unique pujas and ceremonies, astrology and e-puja services. 
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Durga Shailaputri Mantra

On the first day of Navratri start your day with chanting this mantra and worship Maa Shailaputri whole heartedly.

Vande Vaanchhit Laabhaaya Chandrardha Krita Shekharaam,
Vrishaarudhaam Shuladharaam Shaila- Putrim Yashasviniim

“I pay my obeisance to the Divine Mother Shailaputri, who bestows upon the choicest boons to the devotees. The moon in the crescent form is adorned as the crown on her forehead. She is mounted on the bullock. She holds a lotus in her hand. She is Yashasvini – the Celebrated Mother Durga.”

Background and Mythology of Goddess Shailaputri 

Goddess Shailaputri, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, is also known as Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas and is believed to be the previous incarnation of Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva.

• Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, married Lord Shiva against her father’s wishes. After being insulted by her father, she immolated herself. She was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas, and performed severe penance to win the love of Lord Shiva.
• Goddess Shailaputri is depicted as a beautiful goddess with a divine glow, riding a bull, holding a trishul (trident) in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left.
• Her attire is that of a simple white sari, and she is often adorned with precious jewels.
• The symbolism of Goddess Shailaputri lies in her mount, which represents dharma (righteousness), and her weapons, which represent the destruction of evil.
• Her connection to the mountains and symbolism make her a revered Hindu goddess worldwide.

7 Essentials Puja Rituals to Be Performed on the First Day of Navratri

Navratri – the nine most auspicious days of the year are full of celebrations and rituals. 

Seven essential puja rituals can be performed to celebrate the first day of Navratri and seek blessings from Goddess Shailaputri. These rituals can help create a sacred space and show respect and devotion to the goddess.

The seven essential puja rituals are:

• Lighting the lamp and incense: Light a lamp and incense sticks to purify the atmosphere and create a sacred space for the puja.
• Offering flowers and akshata (rice grains): Offer flowers and akshata to the goddess as a symbol of respect and devotion.
• Applying tilak or kumkum: Apply tilak or kumkum to the forehead of the goddess as a symbol of welcome and reverence.
• Performing arati (waving of the light): Perform arati by waving a lamp in front of the goddess, accompanied by devotional songs.
• Chanting Shailaputri mantras and prayers: Chant mantras and prayers are dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri to invoke her blessings and seek her protection.
• Offering prasad: Offer prasad, such as fruits or sweets, to the goddess as a symbol of gratitude.
• Goddess Shailaputri Puja: Perform the Goddess Shailaputri Puja by following the appropriate rituals and reciting the proper mantras and prayers.

By performing these rituals with devotion and sincerity, one can seek blessings and prosperity from the goddess. 

Goddess Shailaputri Puja

• Performing puja at home involves establishing the Kalash, tying a sacred thread, sowing barley seeds, and invoking Lord Ganesha and Goddess Shailaputri. The red colour is also associated with the first day of Navratri, known for passion and love. 
• The Kalash symbolises the universe and is filled with water, coins, and holy items. Barley seeds are sown for growth and prosperity. 
• Lord Ganesha is invoked to remove obstacles, and Goddess Shailaputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, is invoked for blessings. 
• Maintaining a clean and peaceful atmosphere and offering heartfelt devotion are essential to receive blessings for a prosperous life.

Lessons from Goddess Shailaputri 

• Goddess Shailaputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, is revered for her spiritual significance as she represents power and purity and is connected to the Muladhara Chakra. Her attributes, the Trishul symbolising power and transformation, and the Lotus representing beauty and purity, are significant. 
• Embodying Shailaputri’s qualities, such as cultivating inner strength and embracing divine feminine energy, can help individuals tap into their power and purity. 
• We can achieve balance in our lives by connecting with our inner strength and embracing our divine feminine energy. 
• Shailaputri’s teachings serve as a reminder of the importance of balancing power and purity, and how cultivating inner strength is crucial to achieving this balance.

Navratra Ghatsthapana Across India 

Navratri Ghatsthapana is celebrated with enthusiasm across India, with regional variations in how it is celebrated.

• In North India, Ghatsthapana is an important ritual performed on the first day of Navratri.
• West Indians place the Kalash on a decorated pedestal and worship it for nine days.
• In East India, people make idols of the goddess using soil and sow barley seeds on the first day.
• In South India, people decorate their homes with lamps and flowers and perform puja with great devotion.

The festival is marked by fasting and feasting, cultural performances and dances, and unique practices like Kanya Puja, where young girls are worshipped as the manifestation of the goddess. There are various Navratri recipes and fasting guidelines, along with Navratri decorations and home preparations, that make the festival more charming. 

Conclusion

Navratri is a spiritual journey that allows individuals to connect with the divine and find inner strength and purity. The importance of Goddess Shailaputri in contemporary Hinduism cannot be overstated, as she teaches us the value of balance in power and purity.

Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with the divine during Navratri. Book a pandit through SmartPuja today and experience a seamless and authentic puja. Trust in our trained and experienced pandits to guide you through the rituals and help you find inner peace and blessings.