Shailputri is the first form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Shail” means mountain, and “Putri” means daughter, so Shailputri is the daughter of the mountain.
Nav = nine and ratri = night. As the name implies, Navratri is a festival of nine consecutive nights.
Navratri honors Navdurga … Nav Durga … nine forms of Durga.
They are:
1. Shailputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandamata
6. Katyayani
7. Kalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Sidhidatri
These nine forms celebrate, honor and worship nine different incarnations, nine different colors and nine different qualities.
Shailputri
Shailputri is the first form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Shail” means mountain, and “Putri” means daughter, so Shailputri is the daughter of the mountain.
As per the Hindu mythology, Shailputri is believed to be the reincarnation of Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva. She is depicted riding a bull and carrying a trident and lotus in her hands. She is also known as Parvati, Hemavati, or Sati.
Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri and is considered the embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. She represents the earth element and is associated with the Muladhara Chakra or the root chakra, which signifies stability, grounding, and security.
During the first day of Navratri, devotees worship Shailputri with great devotion and offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings. It is believed that worshipping Shailputri helps to remove obstacles and brings success and prosperity.
Shailputri is also associated with the harvest season, and her worship is considered auspicious for farmers and those involved in agriculture.
Overall, Shailputri holds great significance in Navratri as she represents the beginning of the nine-day festival and is considered the source of power, stability, and grounding.
