Maa Shailaputri is the first form of the goddess Durga in the Navdurga sequence and is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Her name is derived from “shail” meaning mountains and “putri” meaning daughter, as she is believed to be the daughter of the mountains. Maa Shailaputri is the reincarnation of Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva. Once, Sati was attending a yajna (sacred fire ritual) hosted by her father Daksha, but he insulted her husband Shiva in front of the guests. Overcome by grief and anger, Sati immolated herself in the yagya fire. Later, she was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of the mountains. The importance of worshipping Maa Shailaputri lies in invoking the energy of the mountains, which represents stability, strength, and resilience. Maa Shailaputri is often depicted holding a trident and a lotus, which represent the power to destroy negative influences and bring forth beauty and purity. By worshipping Maa Shailaputri, devotees seek blessings for a strong and stable foundation in their lives, both physically and spiritually. She is also believed to grant the blessings of good health, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Overall, the worship of Maa Shailaputri is seen as a way to begin the nine-day Navratri festival on a powerful and auspicious note, invoking the blessings of the divine feminine energy in its purest and most primal form. Mantra: ह्रीं शिवायै नम:।
