Riding a bull, which is her vehicle, Maa Shailputri is also known as Vrisharudha. She is depicted with two hands—holding a Trishul (trident) in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left hand. The Moon, which is believed to govern emotions and mental balance, is the ruling planet of Maa Shailputri. By worshipping her, devotees seek relief from any malefic effects of the Moon in their horoscopes.
Navratri 2024 Day 1: Puja Rituals
Worship of Maa Shailputri on the first day of Navratri is an auspicious start to the nine-day festival. The rituals involve invoking the Goddess with complete devotion and faith. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing the puja:
1. Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana): The first step involves establishing a sacred Kalash (pot) filled with water and placing mango leaves at its mouth. The Kalash is then covered with a coconut. This ritual marks the beginning of Navratri and symbolises the invocation of the Goddess.
2. Offering Flowers and Incense: Devotees offer jasmine flowers, which are said to be the favourite of Maa Shailputri. Lighting incense sticks and diyas further purifies the environment, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana Sthapana: Do's and Don'ts
3. Reciting Mantras and Stotra: Mantras play a significant role in invoking the blessings of Maa Shailputri. The primary mantra for worship is:
| ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah॥ |
This mantra is recited 108 times using a Tulsi or Rudraksha mala.
4. Chanting Prarthana and Stuti: Reciting the prarthana and stuti dedicated to Maa Shailputri brings a sense of tranquility and focus during the puja. Devotees chant the following prarthana:
| वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥ |
5. Offering Bhog: Devotees prepare sattvic (pure) food and offer it as bhog to Maa Shailputri. Dishes made from buckwheat flour (Kuttu Ka Atta), sabudana, and singhara atta (water chestnut flour) are commonly offered. Fruits, milk, and other dairy products are also part of the bhog.
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6. Performing Aarti: Concluding the puja with the aarti is considered highly auspicious. The aarti is sung with devotion, and it is believed that Maa Shailputri blesses those who perform it with a pure heart.
Navratri 2024 Day 1: Mantras and Chants for Maa Shailputri
During the worship of Maa Shailputri, various mantras and hymns are chanted to appease her and seek her blessings. Some of the important mantras and chants are:
Dhyana Mantra:
| वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥ |
| प्रथम दुर्गा त्वंहि भवसागरः तारणीम्।धन ऐश्वर्य दायिनी शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥ |
These mantras and stotras, when chanted with faith, help in connecting the devotees to the divine form of Maa Shailputri, granting them peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength.
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Navratri 2024 Day 1: 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॥ |
Maa Shailputri, being the first among the nine forms of Goddess Durga, signifies the beginning of the spiritual journey of a devotee. Worshipping her is believed to purify the Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra), which is associated with stability, security, and self-confidence. Devotees begin their Navratri celebrations by invoking her blessings for a stable mind and strong willpower.
After completing the rituals and chanting the mantras, the puja is concluded by offering the bhog to the Goddess and then distributing it as prasad among the family members and guests. It is customary to seek the blessings of Maa Shailputri for a harmonious and prosperous Navratri.
The first day of Navratri, dedicated to Maa Shailputri, sets the tone for the subsequent days of devotion, discipline, and celebration. By worshipping this form of Goddess Durga, devotees can overcome challenges, attain mental peace, and embark on a path of spiritual upliftment. As you celebrate Navratri in 2024, may the divine blessings of Maa Shailputri fill your life with positivity, good health, and success.
