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ॐ Navratri: The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga - Day 1 Worshipping Maa Shailputri (2024)
ॐ Navratri: The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga - Day 1 Worshipping Maa Shailputri (2024)
Discover the significance of Navratri's first day, dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the goddess of strength and wisdom. Learn the rituals, offerings, and mantras to invoke her blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Celebrate Navratri with devotion and connect with the divine feminine energy.

Maa Shailputri is also known as the daughter of the mountains. Holding a trident symbolizing power and a lotus representing purity. Riding the bull Nandi, she reflects patience, strength, and divine protection, embodying calmness and nurturing energy.
Navratri, which means "nine nights, " is a festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It is celebrated twice a year: once during the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and once during the fall (Sharad Navratri). The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and the power of divine femininity.
There are several legends surrounding Navratri. One of the most popular stories is the battle between Goddess Durga and the buffalo demon Mahishasura. After a long and fierce battle lasting nine days and nights, Maa Durga defeated the demon on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami (or Dussehra). This event symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
Navratri, one of the most significant festivals in Hindu culture, is a nine-day celebration dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. During this time, each day is devoted to one of her nine divine manifestations, known as the Navadurga. The first day of Navratri in 2024 will be observed on October 3rd, and it is dedicated to the worship of Maa Shailputri, the first form of Durga.
Who is Maa Shailputri?
Maa Shailputri, also known as the daughter of the mountains (Shail meaning "mountain" and Putri meaning "daughter"), is the first form of Goddess Durga. She embodies the supreme power and is revered as the goddess of strength and wisdom. According to legend, Maa Shailputri was born as the daughter of the king of the Himalayas, Himavan, in her previous birth as Sati. After sacrificing herself in the fire of her father’s yajna, she was reborn as Shailputri and continued her devotion to Lord Shiva.
The Divine Appearance of Maa Shailputri
In her form as Shailputri, the goddess is depicted with two hands. In her right hand, she carries a trident (trishul), symbolizing power and destruction of evil, while in her left hand, she holds a lotus, representing purity and spiritual awakening. She rides a bull called Nandi, which signifies patience and strength. Her divine aura is calm yet powerful, reflecting her role as a nurturer and protector of the universe.

Navratri 2024: Portraying goddess Durga along with her devotees in a very joyful and auspicious aura. Everyone celebrating Navratri.
Rituals of Worship on Day 1 of Navratri: Worshipping Maa Shailputri
Worshiping Maa Shailputri on the first day of Navratri sets the tone for the rest of the festival. Here’s a step-by-step guide to her worship:
- Puja Vidhi: Start by cleansing yourself and the area of worship. Light a lamp in front of an image or idol of Maa Shailputri. The auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurat is from 6:30 am to 7:31 am, while the Abhijit Muhurat lasts from 12:03 pm to 12:51 pm.
- Offerings: Devotees offer white flowers, as white is her favourite colour. Items like raw milk, ghee, and sweets made from cow's milk are considered auspicious.
- Chanting and Mantras: Chant the mantra dedicated to Maa Shailputri: "Om Devi Shailputryai Namah". Recite it 108 times using a mala to seek her blessings.
- Prayers and Aarti: After chanting, offer fruits, especially bananas, and perform an aarti using incense sticks and camphor.
- Fasting: Devotees also observe a fast in her honour, consuming only fruits, milk, and water throughout the day. It is believed that fasting while worshipping Maa Shailputri brings inner peace and spiritual energy.
- Auspicious Color: Wearing yellow on Day 1 symbolizes energy and joy, reflecting the goddess’s vibrant and nurturing nature.
Spiritual Significance of Maa Shailputri's Worship
Maa Shailputri governs the planet Moon (Chandra), which represents emotions and mental well-being in Vedic astrology. By worshipping her, devotees can overcome emotional challenges, find balance in life, and seek inner strength. Maa Shailputri also offers prosperity, good health, and a peaceful mind. Her blessings help in the awakening of the Muladhara Chakra, which brings stability to life.
Special Offerings that Please Maa Shailputri
- White Flowers: Offering white jasmine or roses to the goddess symbolizes purity and devotion, qualities that resonate with her energy. As white symbolizes purity, offering white flowers like jasmine or roses is said to please the goddess.
- Milk Products: Since her vehicle is a bull, Nandi, milk products like cow’s milk, yoghurt, and ghee are highly sacred offerings.
- Bananas: One of Maa Shailputri’s favourite fruits, bananas are often offered during aarti. Offer bananas during the aarti, as it is one of her favoured fruits.
Conclusion
Navratri commences with the reverence of Maa Shailputri, who blesses devotees with strength, wisdom, and spiritual growth. Worshipping her on the first day creates a powerful foundation for the rest of the festival, inviting peace and prosperity into your life.
" May Maa Shailputri bless your Navratri celebrations in 2024 with harmony, strength, and wisdom! "
~ Team Baidhyanath.Org
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