The first day of Navratri 2025 is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas and the first form of Goddess Durga. Symbolizing purity, strength, and divine energy, she is worshipped for the blessings of health, prosperity, and spiritual awakening. On this day, devotees begin their nine-day spiritual journey with her puja, seeking courage and the power to rise above worldly challenges.
After Goddess Sati self-immolated, she was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan, the Lord of the Himalayas. In Sanskrit, the word Shail means mountain, which is why this form of the Goddess is called Shailputri, or Daughter of the Mountains. She is regarded as the embodiment of the combined power of the divine trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. To seek her blessings, devotees offer pure desi ghee as bhog (sacred offering).
Who is Maa Shailputri?
The name Shailputri is derived from the Sanskrit words Shail (mountain) and Putri (daughter), which means Daughter of the Mountains. She rides on a bull called Nandi, holding a trident (Trishul) in one hand and a lotus flower in the other. The trident represents creation, preservation, and destruction, while the lotus symbolizes purity and spiritual growth.
How to Worship Maa Shailputri (Puja Vidhi)
On the first day of Navratri, devotees perform Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) and invoke NavDurga. Here’s the step-by-step puja process:
- Cleanse the Puja Space – Purify your home and puja altar with Gangajal.
- Kalash Sthapana – Place a Kalash filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut, symbolizing the universe and divine energy.
- Invoke the Goddess – Place the idol or image of Maa Shailputri on a clean red cloth.
- Offer Flowers & Bhog – Present her favorite flowers, fruits, and prasad.
- Light a Diya & Incense – Symbolizing divine energy and purity.
- Chant Mantras & Aarti – Recite Maa Shailputri’s mantras for blessings of strength, peace, and prosperity.
Flowers to Offer Maa Shailputri
Maa Shailputri is especially pleased with red hibiscus (gulhar), jasmine (Chameli), and lotus (Kamal) flowers. Offering these flowers symbolizes devotion, purity, and spiritual growth.
Bhog (Food Offering) for Maa Shailputri
The favorite bhog for Maa Shailputri includes:
- Desi Ghee – Offering ghee during her puja is believed to bless devotees with good health and long life.
- Fruits like bananas, apples, and pomegranates.
- Kheer or sweets made of milk for prosperity and peace.
Mantras to Recite for the aahawan of Maa Shailputri
Chanting mantras dedicated to Maa Shailputri fills the home with positive energy and removes obstacles. Some powerful mantras are:
- Maa Shailputri Beej Mantra
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः ॥ - Navratri Day 1 Mantra
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढ़ां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
Reciting these mantras with devotion helps in attaining mental strength, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
The worship of Maa Shailputri on Day 1 of Navratri marks the beginning of a spiritual journey. She represents the primal force of nature, guiding devotees towards self-realization, purity, and unwavering strength. By offering prayers to her, one invokes divine blessings for a successful and peaceful life.
