Navratri, which literally stands for ‘festival of nine nights’, is celebrated across India twice a year. It is observed for different reasons, first being the transition from one season to other. The Navratri observed just after the monsoon season is called Sharad Navratri. The Sharad Navratri marks its beginning on 21st September 2017, Thursday. Each day of Navratri is assigned to each of nine manifestations or avatars of Goddess Durga. On the first day of the festive season, Goddess Shailputri is worshipped by the devotees. Let’s get some basic insights about Goddess Shailputri and how she originated.
Origin of Goddess Shailputri
After Goddess Sati immolated herself during a Yagna at Lord Daksha’s palace, she took a rebirth to attain Lord Shiva as her husband again. She was born as the daughter to Lord Himalaya. Her name is derived from two words, Shail which means mountain and Putri means daughter. She is also known as daughter of mountains. Goddess Shailputri got married to Lord Shiva.
Goddess Shailputri Governing Planet
Worshipped on the first day of Navratri, Goddess Shailputri is believed to govern Moon, the provider of fortunes. Any bad effect on Moon can be overcome by worshipping Goddess Shailputri.
The Goddess is shown sitting on a bull and due to this, she is also known as Vrisharudha. Goddess Shailputri is depicted to have two hands, one holding a trident or Trishul while other holds a lotus flower. Maa Shailputri has a half moon on her forehead. Jasmine is her favourite flower. The home of Maa Shailputri is said to be in Muladhara Chakra. It is important to realise this divine energy to attain spiritual enlightenment.
Goddess Shailputri is also known as Hemavati or Parvati. Due to her importance among all nine incarnations of Durga, she is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Worshipping her will establish a spiritual relationship with Mother Nature, as she is a representation of earth, valleys, water and atmosphere.
Goddess Shailputri Mantra
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah॥
Maa Shailputri Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Bhog offered to Goddess Shailputri
Different Bhog or Prasadam is prepared for each day of Navratri. On the first day of this auspicious season, pure ghee is offered at the feet of Goddess Shailputri. It will provide the devotee with a disease-free life. Prasadam like Roath, which is an Indian sweet is also offered during prayer sessions.
