Navratri, one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, begins with the worship of Maa Shailaputri, the first and most important form of Goddess Durga. Shailaputri means the daughter of the mighty mountains, derived from ‘Shaila’ (mountain) and ‘Putri’ (daughter). She is revered as the child of King Himavan, the lord of the Himalayas.
On this sacred day, devotees honour Shailaputri to invoke purity, stability, and divine strength in their lives. She is considered the root of spiritual awakening, the foundation of the entire Navadurga worship, and is revered as the goddess of nature and calm strength.
Symbolism of Maa Shailaputri
Maa Shailaputri is depicted riding a bull (Nandi), holding a Trident (Trishul) in one hand and a lotus in the other. Her calm and motherly face symbolizes serenity, while her bull mount reflects patience, strength, and dharmic living.
She represents Muladhara Chakra, the root energy centre in the human body, which governs stability and grounding. By worshipping her, devotees seek to balance their inner foundation and progress toward higher spiritual goals.
Mythological Significance
Maa Shailaputri is believed to be the reincarnation of Goddess Sati, who sacrificed herself in the sacrificial fire when her father, Daksha, insulted Lord Shiva. In her rebirth as Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas, she continued her journey of devotion and eventually united with Lord Shiva once again. Thus, she stands as the symbol of unwavering devotion, marital harmony, and spiritual discipline.
Astrological Connection – The Pearl Gemstone
Maa Shailaputri is governed by the planet Moon (Chandra). The Moon controls the mind, emotions, peace, and inner calm. To strengthen the positive effects of the Moon, devotees and astrologers recommend wearing a Pearl (Moti) gemstone.
Pearl’s Benefits with Maa Shailaputri’s Blessings:
- Brings emotional stability and calmness.
- Reduces stress, anxiety, and wavering thoughts.
- Enhances purity of mind and strengthens relationships.
- Promotes peace, harmony, and mental clarity.
Just as Maa Shailaputri represents serenity and grounding, the Pearl gemstone aligns with her energies, making it the perfect Navratri gemstone for Day 1.
Rituals of Day 1 of Navratri
Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana): The festival begins by invoking Maa Shailaputri and setting up the sacred Kalash, symbolizing prosperity and divine presence.
Offering White Flowers & Rice: White is her favorite color, signifying purity. Devotees offer white flowers, rice, and cow’s milk during the puja.
Meditation on Muladhara Chakra: Spiritual seekers meditate upon the root chakra to establish stability and inner strength.
Chanting Mantras: The mantra “Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah” is recited to invite her divine grace.
Conclusion
Navratri Day 1 dedicated to Maa Shailaputri marks the beginning of a spiritual journey. She teaches us that like a mountain, we must stay strong, pure, and grounded in our faith. Worshipping her with devotion not only brings divine blessings but also aligns us with the healing energies of the Pearl gemstone, strengthening the Moon’s influence in our lives.
This Navratri, embrace Maa Shailaputri’s energy and let the glow of the Pearl guide your mind toward peace and purity.
