New Delhi: The word Navaratri means "nine nights," with nava standing for "nine" and ratri for "nights." On this occasion, nine goddesses are worshipped over the course of nine days. Devotees all over India are gearing up to celebrate Chaitra Navratri, the nine-day festival, with great enthusiasm. The festival is important because it heralds the arrival of spring and the triumph of virtue over evil in the Hindu calendar.
The nine goddesses are forms of Goddess Durga and the festival starts with the worship of Maa Shailputri. This form is associated with the first day of Navaratri, known as Pratipada. She is called so since she is the mountain King's daughter and is visualised holding a lotus in her left hand and a trident in her right. There is also a crescent on her brow. She is also known as Vrisha Roodha because she rides a bull.
It's interesting to note that she was Sati in her former life, King Daksha's daughter. After her father humiliated Lord Shiva (her husband) by not inviting him to a Yagnya attended by the other Gods and Goddesses, she committed suicide by setting herself on fire.
Worshipping Maa Shailputri contributes to the betterment of an individual's wealth, possessions, governance and ornaments. It also aids in improved decision-making and gives relief from diseases related to the eyes, blood, stomach, phlegm, alimentary canal, and epilepsy.
Rituals For The Puja:
After setting the Kalash, invoke Maa Shailputri. Worship the Goddess by offering her sindoor, flowers, incense, akshat (rice), frankincense, and other things. After that, you can recite the Durga Chalisa. It is said that Mata Shailputri should only be worshipped by igniting a lamp filled with cow's ghee or camphor.
Items Offered For Bhog:
The first day of Navratri should begin with the 'Halwa-puri' bhog/offering. Devotees also offer batashe, pan and kaale chane to Maa Shailputri. Additionally, some people also make churma and mewa laddoo for bhog.
Maa Shailputri Aarti:
"Sailputri Maa Bail Asvaar Karein Devta Jai Jaikar Shiv hankar Ki Priy Bhawani Teri Mahima Kisi Ne Na Jaani Parvati Tu Uma Kehlave Jo Tujhe Simre Sau Sukh Paav Ridhi Sidhi Parvan Kre Tu Daya Karen Dhanvan Kre Tu Somvar Ko Shiv Sang Pyari Aarti Teri Jisne Utari Uski Sagri Aas Puja Do Sagre Dukh Takleef Mila Do Ghee Ka Sundar Deep Jala Ke Gola Ka Bhog Lga Ke Shradha Bhav Se Mantr Gayein Prem Sahit Fir sheesh Jhukayeein Jai Giriraj Kishoori Ambe Shiv Mukh Chandra Chakori Ambe Manokamna Purna Kr Do Bhakt Sda Sukh Sampati Bhar Do"