07/10/2021
The first day of Navratra is celebrated on worshiping Maa Shailputri which also symbolizes the commencement of the occasion for nine days.
Origin of Devi Shailaputri
Shailaputri means daughter (Putri) of the mountain (Shaila). Goddess Durga is named Shailputri, as she was born in the house of the King of Mountains “Parvat Raj Himalaya”. Among the nine Durga forms, Shailputri is the first and foremost one.
In her previous birth, it was said that Shailputri was Sati, daughter of Daksha. Once Daksha performed a big Yagna without inviting Shiva. But Sati, wife of Shiva, came there with Lord Shiva. Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati could not tolerate this and she burnt herself in the fire of Yagna. In another birth, she became the daughter of Himalaya and got married to Shiva as Hemavati.
She is Devi of the root chakra, who, upon awakening, begins her journey upwards. Sitting on Nandi and making her first journey from the Muladhara chakra. As from her father to her husband – the awakening Shakti, beginning her search for Lord Shiva or making a move towards her Shiva. So that, In Navratri pooja the first day Yogi’s keep their mind concentrated on Muladhara. This is the starting point of their spiritual discipline. They started their Yogasadha from here. Shailaputri is the Muladhara Shakti to be realized within self and sought for higher depths, in the yogic meditation.
Governing Planet
It is believed that the Moon, the provider of all fortunes, is governed by Goddess Shailputri and any bad effect of the Moon can be overcome by worshipping this form of Adi Shakti.
Iconography
The mount of Goddess Shailputri is bull and because of that, she is also known as Vrisharudha. She carries Trishul in the right hand and the lotus flower in the left hand. A half-moon decorates her forehead. Goddess Shailaputri symbolizes the power of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Prarthana
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
Meaning: Worshipping Goddess Durga in the Maa Shailputri form will help in overcoming any bad effect of the moon, which is governed by this form of Adi Shakti.
