Navaratri, derived from the Sanskrit words “Nava” meaning nine and “Ratri” meaning nights, is a festival that spans over nine nights and is celebrated across India in honor of the divine feminine energy, also known as “Shakti” or “Nav Durga.” The festival is deeply symbolic, with each day dedicated to a different form of the Mother Goddess. These forms reflect various aspects of strength, beauty, compassion, transformation, and power.
As Navaratri begins, devotees embark on a spiritual journey, beginning with the worship of Maa Shailputri, the first among the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. Her name means “Daughter of the Mountains” (“Shail” meaning mountain, and “Putri” meaning daughter), symbolizing her birth as the child of the Himalayas. She is also recognized as a form of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva, and is considered the embodiment of strength, purity, and tranquility.
The Story of Maa Shailputri
Maa Shailputri is revered for her serene and powerful form and her origin story, which carries great significance in Hindu mythology. Before becoming Shailputri, she incarnated as Devi Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha. Despite her father’s disapproval, Sati, drawn to the ascetic and divine Lord Shiva, chose him as her husband. Daksha, who viewed Shiva as an uncouth and unworthy hermit, grew increasingly resentful of this marriage.
Daksha organized a grand Yagna (sacrificial ritual) to spite Shiva and Sati but deliberately excluded Lord Shiva from the guest list. Despite Lord Shiva’s reluctance, Devi Sati attended the Yagna, only to witness her father publicly insult her husband. Unable to bear the disrespect, Devi Sati invoked her divine powers and self-immolated in the sacrificial fire.
Shiva, devastated by Sati’s death, unleashed his wrath upon Daksha’s Yagna. His fierce manifestation, Veerbhadra, destroyed the ritual and beheaded Daksha. However, at the behest of other deities and Brahma, Shiva restored Daksha to life, placing a goat’s head on his body, but the pain of losing Sati left a lasting scar.
After Sati’s self-sacrifice, her body was scattered across the Earth, forming the 52 revered Shakti Peethas. Sati later reincarnated as Shailputri, the daughter of the mighty Himalayas, marking the beginning of her renewed spiritual journey.
Maa Shailputri is often depicted riding a bull named Nandi, holding a Trident in one hand and a lotus in the other. The crescent moon adorns her forehead, and her serene expression conveys the calm and balanced energy she embodies. She symbolises the Mooladhara Chakra, the root or base chakra, representing the foundation of spiritual development. Worshipping Maa Shailputri is believed to awaken the Mooladhara Chakra, allowing devotees to begin their journey towards spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
The first day of Navaratri, dedicated to Maa Shailputri, holds immense significance. This day marks the Ghatasthapana ritual, invoking the divine energy as a Kalash (holy pot). Devotees believe that Maa Shailputri governs the Moon, the celestial body responsible for fortune, emotional balance, and well-being. Worshipping her is said to alleviate the malefic effects of the Moon, bringing peace, stability, and harmony into one’s life.
Prayers and mantras dedicated to Maa Shailputri are recited on this day to seek her blessings for health, wealth, and success. The mantra for Maa Shailputri is a powerful invocation of her divine energy:
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Shailputrayai Namah
Reciting this mantra with devotion brings peace of mind, prosperity, and protection from evil forces. It is believed that her divine energy keeps negativity at bay and ensures a smooth path ahead in both personal and professional life.
Benefits of Mata Shailputri Pooja
Performing Mata Shailputri Pooja brings immense spiritual and personal growth, helping devotees to:
- Overcome Fear of Evil Forces: Mata Shailputri blesses devotees with the courage to face and conquer negative energies and evil powers.
- Gain Confidence to Uphold Righteousness: The pooja instills the strength to stand for what is right and just, giving devotees the confidence to challenge injustice.
- Make Timely, Decisive Actions: Worshipping Mata Shailputri sharpens the mind, enabling swift and accurate decision-making, knowing exactly when and how to act.
- Cultivate a Fear-Free Environment: It promotes an atmosphere where no one feels threatened or oppressed by those in power, encouraging fairness and protection for all.
- Battle Evil Spirits: The divine energy from Mata Shailputri helps combat evil entities, providing protection and strength in times of spiritual challenge.
- Shield Loved Ones from Harm: Devotees seek Mata Shailputri’s blessings to safeguard their families and loved ones from harmful and devilish influences.
- Embrace Bravery for Justice: This pooja fills one with the bravery to stand up for the truth and defend against wrongdoing.
The Sacred Shailputri Mata Temple
The oldest and most revered temple of Mata Shailputri is situated in Jalalipura, Varanasi (Kashi). Rich in history and deeply connected to the Goddess Durga, this ancient temple holds significant spiritual importance. Legend has it that after slaying the demon Tarkasur, Goddess Shailputri came to Varanasi to be by Lord Shiva’s side, choosing to reside there for eternity.
The temple is a magnet for devotees who travel from far and wide to seek her blessings, offering prayers for protection, guidance, and the well-being of their families. This sacred site stands as a beacon of faith, continuously drawing those seeking spiritual solace and divine protection.
Maa Shailputri Mantra
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah॥
Maa Shailputri Prarthana
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim॥
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॥
Maa Shailputri Dhyana
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
पूणेन्दु निभाम् गौरी मूलाधार स्थिताम् प्रथम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
पटाम्बर परिधानां रत्नाकिरीटा नामालंकार भूषिता॥
प्रफुल्ल वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां स्नेमुखी क्षीणमध्यां नितम्बनीम्॥
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim॥
Punendu Nibham Gauri Muladhara Sthitam Prathama Durga Trinetram।
Patambara Paridhanam Ratnakirita Namalankara Bhushita॥
Praphulla Vandana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham।
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Snemukhi Kshinamadhyam Nitambanim॥
Maa Shailputri Stotra
प्रथम दुर्गा त्वंहि भवसागरः तारणीम्।
धन ऐश्वर्य दायिनी शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
त्रिलोजननी त्वंहि परमानन्द प्रदीयमान्।
सौभाग्यरोग्य दायिनी शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
चराचरेश्वरी त्वंहि महामोह विनाशिनीं।
मुक्ति भुक्ति दायिनीं शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
Prathama Durga Tvamhi Bhavasagarah Taranim।
Dhana Aishwarya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham॥
Trilojanani Tvamhi Paramananda Pradiyaman।
Saubhagyarogya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham॥
Charachareshwari Tvamhi Mahamoha Vinashinim।
Mukti Bhukti Dayinim Shailaputri Pranamamyaham॥
Maa Shailputri Kavacha
ॐकारः में शिरः पातु मूलाधार निवासिनी।
हींकारः पातु ललाटे बीजरूपा महेश्वरी॥
श्रींकार पातु वदने लावण्या महेश्वरी।
हुंकार पातु हृदयम् तारिणी शक्ति स्वघृत।
फट्कार पातु सर्वाङ्गे सर्व सिद्धि फलप्रदा॥
Omkarah Mein Shirah Patu Muladhara Nivasini।
Himkarah Patu Lalate Bijarupa Maheshwari॥
Shrimkara Patu Vadane Lavanya Maheshwari।
Humkara Patu Hridayam Tarini Shakti Swaghrita।
Phatkara Patu Sarvange Sarva Siddhi Phalaprada॥
Maa Shailputri Aarti
शैलपुत्री माँ बैल असवार। करें देवता जय जय कार॥
शिव-शंकर की प्रिय भवानी। तेरी महिमा किसी ने न जानी॥
पार्वती तू उमा कहलावें। जो तुझे सुमिरे सो सुख पावें॥
रिद्धि सिद्धि प्रदान करे तू। दया करें धनवान करें तू॥
सोमवार को शिव संग प्यारी। आरती जिसने तेरी उतारी॥
उसकी सगरी आस पुजा दो। सगरे दुःख तकलीफ मिटा दो॥
घी का सुन्दर दीप जला के। गोला गरी का भोग लगा के॥
श्रद्धा भाव से मन्त्र जपायें। प्रेम सहित फिर शीश झुकायें॥
जय गिरराज किशोरी अम्बे। शिव मुख चन्द्र चकोरी अम्बे॥
मनोकामना पूर्ण कर दो। चमन सदा सुख सम्पत्ति भर दो॥