Shardiya Navratri 2024: Know Significance, Puja Vidhi And All About Worshipping Goddess Shailputri On The First Day Of Navratri

The first day of Shardiya Navratri falls on Thursday, August 3, 2024. On this day, devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the first of the nine forms of Navdurga.

Shardiya Navratri 2024

Source : Pinterest/ Sharmili Baruah

Shardiya Navratri 2024: The first day of Shardiya Navratri is considered the most significant as it marks the commencement of the nine-day festival with the installation of the holy Kalash (Ghatasthapana). On this day, devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the first form of Navdurga. Maa Shailputri is known as the daughter of the Himalayas, which is why she is named "Shailputri" (Daughter of the Mountain).

According to revered texts, during the worship on this day, many yogis focus on the 'Muladhara Chakra'(root chakra) to eliminate all emotions from the mind. Maa Shailputri is depicted with a trident in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left.

Maa Shailputri's Mantra:

"Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardha Krita Shekharam."

The Story of Maa Shailputri:

In her previous birth, Maa Shailputri was incarnated as Sati, the daughter of King Daksha. She was married to Lord Shiva. However, when Daksha organised a grand Yajna (sacrifice), he invited all the gods except Lord Shiva. Despite knowing her father's animosity toward her husband, Sati was eager to attend the Yajna. Lord Shiva tried to dissuade her, but Sati was adamant and eventually received his permission.

Upon reaching her father's Yajna, Sati felt out of place. None of the guests were happy to see her, except her mother. Her sisters mocked her, and her father, Daksha, insulted her and Lord Shiva with harsh words. Unable to bear the disrespect towards her husband, Sati was filled with anger and sorrow. In a moment of despair, she sacrificed herself by jumping into the sacrificial fire.

Enraged by the loss of Sati, Lord Shiva sent his attendants to destroy the Yajna. In her next birth, Sati reincarnated as Shailputri, the daughter of King Himalaya. Maa Shailputri possesses immense power and uses it when necessary. On this day, it is customary to feed at least one young girl, and women traditionally wear orange or white sarees during the worship of Maa Shailputri.

Offer These Items to Maa Shailputri

During the worship of Maa Shailputri, it is recommended to use white-colored items. Devotees should offer white flowers, white clothes, and white sweets to the goddess. Worshipping Maa Shailputri is believed to help unmarried girls find a suitable match, and it also ensures prosperity and abundance in the household.