Who is Goddess Shailputri and Why is She Worshipped on Navratri Day 1

Who is Goddess Shailputri and Why is She Worshipped on Navratri Day 1

Navratri 2025 begins on September 22, marking the start of nine nights of devotion to Goddess Durga. The first day, known as Navratri Day 1 or Pratipada, is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She represents purity, balance, and spiritual awakening. Devotees worship Maa Shailputri on this day by performing Ghatasthapana Puja and following traditional rituals to seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and divine grace.

Maa Shailputri: The First Form of Goddess Durga

Maa Shailputri is considered the first among the Navadurgas, symbolizing the beginning of spiritual growth. Her name comes from “Shail” meaning mountain and “Putri” meaning daughter, as she was born as the daughter of Lord Himalaya after Goddess Sati’s self-immolation. She is also known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati, and Hemavati.

According to scriptures, she governs the Muladhara Chakra (root chakra), which marks the starting point of one’s spiritual journey. Awakening this energy helps devotees move closer to self-realization and higher consciousness.

Iconography and Significance

Maa Shailputri is depicted riding a bull, holding a Trishul in her right hand and a lotus in her left. She is often referred to as Vrisharudha (the one seated on a bull). Her worship is believed to remove the ill effects of the Moon, the planet she governs, bringing fortune, peace, and emotional stability.

Navratri Day 1 Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2025

As per Drik Panchang, the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana on 22 September 2025 is:

Navratri Day 1 Colour and Its Meaning

The colour of the day is White, symbolizing purity, serenity, and peace. Devotees wear white on Day 1 to draw Maa Shailputri’s grace, inviting protection, calmness, and a pure start to the nine-day festival.

Puja Vidhi and Rituals

On the first day of Navratri, devotees perform Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana). The ritual involves:

• Preparing a pot filled with holy water (Ganga Jal)
• Adding coins, supari, durva grass, and akshat (turmeric-coated rice)
• Surrounding the Kalash with five mango leaves
• Placing a coconut on top as a symbol of abundance
• Sowing seven or nine types of grains (Saptadhanya/Navadhanya) in mud, signifying growth and prosperity
• A diya (lamp) is lit and kept burning throughout the nine days, symbolizing divine presence.

Chanting her mantra and prayers is considered auspicious on this day:

Mantra:

ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥ (Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah॥)

Prarthana:

वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्। वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥

Why Worship Maa Shailputri on Day 1 of Navratri?

Maa Shailputri represents the very foundation of life and spirituality. Worshipping her on the first day of Navratri not only removes negativity but also grants peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength. She marks the beginning of the divine journey of the nine forms of Goddess Durga and sets the tone for the celebrations ahead.