Maa Shailputri

                                                    Maa Shailputri

Navratri is a festival dedicated to praying the Hindu Goddess maa Durga. In Sanskrit, the word ‘Nava’ means nine and ‘Ratri’ means nights i.e. ‘nine nights’. Each of these nine days of Navratri is a workship of nine different avatars of goddesses to a particular Goddess who is worship on each day. The first avatar of Maa Durga is Shailputri, she was born to the King of Mountains. In Sanskrit, Shail means the mountain and ‘Putri’ means Girl Child. Goddess Shailputri is an ideal form of Mother Nature and is also an avatar of Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva Shankar and Mata of Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya.

Origin and History

As per Mythology, Shailputri in her previous birth was the girl born to, Daksh Prajapati. Her name was ‘Sati’ and got married to Lord Shiva. In a sacrificing ceremony organized by Daksh Prajapati, he insulted Lord Shiva as he was not in favor of this marriage. In this intolerable condition, Sati sacrificed her body and jumped into a Holy fire.

In her next birth, she incarnated as Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Parvatraj Himalaya. Similar to her previous birth in this birth also, she got married to Lord Shiva Shankar. Amongst all the nine avatars of Goddess Durga, she has been attributed to as Shailputri or Himavati. Therefore, on the first day of Navratra, she is praying with great love and zeal.

Customs and Rituals

The day before the celebration of Navratri, people clean their homes and Shops even get them white-washed. The celebration begins with placing the statue of Goddess Durga at houses, temples, and pandals. Believers show their prayers towards the Goddess in kinds of bhajans and mantras. Also, they offer her fruits and flowers. The ideal of Maa Durga is fully decorated and she was dressed up with beautiful sarees and jewelry. Since all the nine days are dedicated to different incarnations of Maa Durga, the rituals change each day.

• The Ritual: The ritual starts with the Ghatasthapana where Goddess Shailputri is worshiped with flowers, rice, and sandalwood. Also, a Kalash is filled with 7 kinds of soil (Saptmritika), clay, nut and five varieties of coins. Below this Kalash, 7 kinds of cereals and barley seeds are seeded, that are harvested on the last day. Those crops are then offered to all gods and goddesses.
• The Mantra: While praying Maa Shailputri, devotees chant “Om Devi Shailputryai Swaha” for 108 times.Also, they recite

Vande Vanchhit Laabhaay, Chandrardhkritshekharaam |

Vrisharudham Shooldharaam Shailputriim Yashaswinim ||

Meaning: “I worship Goddess Shailputri to fulfill my wishes, who is adorned with a half-moon on her head, rides on a bull, carry a trident and is important.”

           Bhog: On the day, fast is kept and pure Ghee is offered on the toes  of Goddess             Shailputri. It is believed that by offering this bhog, the devotees are blessed                    with a disease-free living.

Attire:  The first day of Navratri, which is also known as Ghastasthapana, witnesses the holy pooja of the Goddess. The day is very favorable as it is the start of the festival. The Goddess is dressed in orange attire on this day. According to tradition, people wear clothes of orange color on this day. 

Ideal Outfits and Accessories For The 1st Day

Apart from following the rites and traditions, people are also excited to get ready in pretty outfits and beautiful ornaments. As Orange is identified as a favorite color for devotees on this day, let’s have a look at a wide variety of sarees, salwar suits, jewelry available in this color.

• Sarees: As this outfit is favored by most of the Indian women, it will be a perfect attire to opt for the first day of Navaratri. Lovely orange sarees in various charming designs. A combination of stunning statement blouse in contrast color will elegantly enhance the overall look of the saree. 
• Churidar: Mix and match of shades always prove to be unique and make everyone look amazing. An Orange Churidaar Kameez embedded with elaborate embroideries and combined with a green color dupatta will create a unique atmosphere. With a wide variety of Churidaar Kameez available in the store, one can never go out of choices.
• Indo-western Outfits: These outfits are suitable for women and men of all ages. For men, a matt decorated orange  Kurta Payjama combined with an exquisite Nehru Jacket in blue color is enough to create a swag appearance. With a lot of options available, ladies are surely on the winning side. They can select Kurtis in floral prints with an orange backdrop or opt for pretty mandarin neckband tunics in orange to keep up the festive feeling.

Fascinating Facts

• In the form of Shailputri, Goddess Durga is worshiped as a girl child i.e. the first form of femininity.
• Among the nine forms of Maa Durga, the greatness and powers of Goddess Shailputri are believed to be universal.
• Parvati and Himavati are other names of Goddess Shailputri.

            Note :Pooja Timing from 7:42 AM to 10:42 AM,offer maa Chameli flower 

may maa Shailputri fulfill all your wishes.Happy Navrati

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 परवान करें 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॥

Be joyful and happy. As Lord Maa Shailputri blesses us this Navratri. The festival will sure be filled with cheer and fun. A lovely day for everyone. Happy Navratri.