Navratri Day 1 – Maa Shailputri Puja and Her Story

The sacred festival of Navratri 2025 will begin on 22nd September. On the very first day, devotees worship Maa Shailputri Puja, the daughter of the mighty Himalayas. Her name itself means the daughter of the mountains. She is the first form of Goddess Durga, representing purity, devotion, and determination.

According to legends, Maa Shailputri is the reincarnation of Goddess Parvati, who took birth as the daughter of King Himalaya. She symbolizes the form of the goddess when she began her penance to obtain Lord Shiva as her consort. Worshipping Maa Shailputri on the first day of Navratri brings strength, focus, and blessings to overcome life’s challenges.

Maa Shailputri Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)

Begin by setting up a clean altar and placing Maa Shailputri’s idol or picture on a decorated platform (chowki).
Light a ghee diya (lamp) in front of the goddess.
Chant her dhyana mantra and other divine mantras from Durga Saptashati.
Offer seasonal fruits, sweets, and especially halwa as prasad.
Conclude with an aarti, seeking her blessings for strength, health, and prosperity.

Maa Shailputri Dhyana Mantra

Vande Vanchhita Labhaya Chandrardha Krita Shekharam।
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailputrim Yashasvinim॥

Maa Shailputri Mantra

Om Devi Shailputryai Namah॥

Or you can also chant:

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailputri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

Maa Shailputri Stotra

Pratham Durga Tvamhi Bhavsagar Taarinim।
Dhan Aishwarya Dayini Shailputri Pranamamyaham॥

Trilojanani Tvamhi Paramanand Pradiyaman।
Saubhagya Rogya Dayini Shailputri Pranamamyaham॥

Charachareswari Tvamhi Mahamoh Vinashinim।
Mukti Bhukti Dayinim Shailputri Pranamamyaham॥

Mythological Story of Maa Shailputri

According to Hindu scriptures, Maa Shailputri was the daughter of King Daksha in her previous birth. She was born as Sati and married Lord Shiva. Once, King Daksha organized a grand yajna (sacred ritual) but deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva.

When Sati attended the yajna, she felt deeply insulted after witnessing her father’s disrespect towards Lord Shiva. Unable to bear the humiliation, she sacrificed herself by jumping into the fire of the yajna.

Later, Sati was reborn as the daughter of the mighty Himalayas and came to be known as Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains. This divine incarnation symbolizes determination, courage, and the beginning of the goddess’s journey as Parvati, who again united with Lord Shiva.

Benefits of Worshipping Maa Shailputri

Removes afflictions caused by the Moon in one’s horoscope.
Eliminates obstacles from important work.
Protects from negativity and evil influences.
Brings growth in career and business.
Balances the Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra), ensuring stability and confidence in life.

Special Devotion – Reciting Shiva Stotra

Devotees believe that chanting Lord Shiva’s stotras, especially the Shiva Tandava Stotra, pleases Maa Shailputri. Reading Durga Saptashati chapters on this day also brings divine blessings. Observing a fast on the first day while worshipping Maa Shailputri is considered highly auspicious.

Spiritual Significance

The name Shailputri means “daughter of the mountains.” Spiritually, it symbolizes that life is like climbing a mountain—full of challenges and struggles. With determination, patience, and devotion, we can overcome obstacles and find true happiness. Maa Shailputri teaches us that persistence is the key to success, just as she pursued her penance to attain Lord Shiva.