Today, March 19, 2026 (Thursday), marks the beginning of the auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri. The first day of Navratri is dedicated to the first form of Goddess Durga, Maa Shailputri. This day symbolizes stability, strength, enthusiasm, and new beginnings.
On this day, Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) is performed in the morning during Pratipada Tithi. Through this ritual, devotees invite Goddess Durga into their homes and temples and seek blessings for happiness, prosperity, good health, wealth, and marital harmony.
Key Highlights of the First Day
● White flowers and white sweets are offered to the Goddess.
● The Muladhara Chakra is believed to be activated on this day.
● Maa Shailputri blesses devotees by removing obstacles related to marriage.
Mythological Significance of Maa Shailputri
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Shailputri was Maa Sati in her previous birth, the consort of Lord Shiva. When her father, King Daksha, insulted Lord Shiva, Maa Sati immolated herself in the sacrificial fire (Yajna).
In her next birth, she was born as the daughter of the King of Mountains, Himalaya, and hence came to be known as Shailputri (daughter of the mountains). After intense penance, she was once again united with Lord Shiva. Among the nine forms of Goddess Durga, Maa Shailputri is worshipped first.
Form and Appearance of Maa Shailputri
● She rides a bull (Nandi).
● She holds a trident in her right hand and a lotus in her left hand.
● She is adorned in white attire and decorated with white flowers.
● Her form represents peace, purity, and auspiciousness.
Puja Vidhi (Worship Procedure)
On the first day of Navratri, devotees wake up early, take a bath, wear clean clothes, and prepare the पूजा space with all necessary items.
Required Materials:
Flowers, rice (Akshat), roli, sandalwood paste, gulal, fruits, sweets, ghee, lamp, Kalash, mango leaves, wooden platform, Panchamrit, milk, curd, honey, sugar, cloves, barley, sesame seeds, incense sticks, kumkum, perfume, and aarti plate.
Steps of Worship:
● Sit on a white seat facing north.
● Light a ghee lamp.
● Place the idol or image of Maa Shailputri on a wooden platform covered with a red or white cloth.
● Invoke the Goddess and offer ritual bath (Abhishek).
● Offer white clothes and white flowers.
● Present all पूजा materials one by one.
● Offer kheer, especially makhana kheer, as bhog.
● Perform aarti and distribute prasad.
Mantras of Maa Shailputri
● Om Sham Shailputryai Namah
●
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shailputri Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Favorite Offerings
● Sweets made from pure cow ghee
● White food items (like kheer and makhana)
● Offering of ghee is considered highly auspicious
Blessings of Maa Shailputri
By the grace of Maa Shailputri, devotees receive:
● Happiness, prosperity, and good health
● Long life and well-being
● Strong willpower, confidence, and decision-making ability
● Mental peace and concentration
● Freedom from fear, illness, and negative energies
Warm wishes to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri. May Maa Shailputri bless you with happiness and prosperity. 🙏