The sacred festival of Shardiya Navratri has commenced today, Sunday, October 11, 2026, marking the beginning of nine days of intense devotion and spiritual significance. During these nine days, nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped with traditional rituals, while the first day is dedicated to the first manifestation of Goddess Durga, known as Maa Shailputri. It's widely believed that worshipping Maa Shailputri bestows devotees with happiness, prosperity, immense strength, and excellent health. This year, since Navratri begins on a Sunday, there is a traditional belief that Goddess Durga arrives on an elephant, which carries its own spiritual symbolism.
Auspicious Timings for Ghatasthapana
For devotees planning to perform the Kalash Sthapana or Ghatasthapana on the first day of Shardiya Navratri, two specific auspicious windows have been identified. It's recommended to perform the rituals within these timeframes for maximum spiritual benefit, while the morning Muhurat for Ghatasthapana is from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM. For those who can't perform the ritual in the early morning, a second auspicious window is available in the afternoon from 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM. Devotees can choose either of these slots based on their convenience to establish the sacred urn and begin their nine-day fast and prayers.
Who is Maa Shailputri?
Maa Shailputri is the first among the Navdurga, the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words Shail, meaning mountain, and Putri, meaning daughter. Thus, she's known as the daughter of the King of Mountains, Himalaya. In her iconography, Maa Shailputri is depicted holding a trident (Trishul) in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left hand. Her vehicle is the bull, also known as Vrishabh. According to religious scriptures, Maa Shailputri was Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, in her previous birth. After sacrificing her body in the yogic fire, she took rebirth in the house of the King of Mountains and came to be known as Shailputri. She later married Lord Shiva. She's also considered the presiding deity of the Muladhara Chakra, while her worship is believed to bring stability, power, and self-confidence into the lives of her devotees.
Mantras and Auspicious Colors
On the first day of Navratri, the use of white and light yellow colors is considered highly auspicious for the worship of Maa Shailputri, while devotees can offer flowers and wear clothes in these specific shades to please the Goddess. The preferred flowers for the deity are white flowers or the white lotus. During the puja, chanting specific mantras is essential to invoke the Goddess's energy. The primary puja mantra is Om Devi Shailputryai Namah. Also, the Beej Mantra for the Goddess is Om Sham Shailputri Devyai Namah. It's a religious belief that chanting these mantras at least 108 times during the puja is highly beneficial. Devotees can perform the chanting according to their faith and convenience.
Offerings and Bhog for Maa Shailputri
The offering of food, or Bhog, holds great importance in Navratri rituals. On the first day, it's considered very auspicious to offer pure cow ghee to Maa Shailputri. Apart from ghee, devotees can also offer Kheer made from milk and rice or white sweets prepared with ghee. These may include Khoya Barfi, Peda, and Mawa Laddu. According to religious traditions, offering cow ghee or white-colored items to Maa Shailputri brings blessings of longevity, prosperity, and stability in life. After the puja is completed, the Bhog should be distributed among family members and the needy as Prasad.
Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi for Maa Shailputri
To worship Maa Shailputri, one should begin the day by waking up early and taking a bath to wear clean clothes. The puja area should be thoroughly cleaned and purified. The following steps can be followed for a complete ritual: First, perform the Ghatasthapana during the Shubh Muhurat and remember Lord Ganesha. Place a picture or idol of Maa Shailputri on a wooden stool covered with a red or yellow cloth. Offer Roli, Kumkum, Akshat (unbroken rice), Sindoor, and white or red flowers to the Goddess. Hibiscus flowers can also be offered. Light a lamp (Diya) using desi ghee and offer incense (Dhoop). Present the Bhog consisting of pure cow ghee, Kheer, or white sweets. Chant the mantra Om Devi Shailputryai Namah, preferably 108 times. Finally, recite the Durga Chalisa or Durga Saptashati and conclude the ritual by performing the Aarti of Maa Shailputri.