Goddess Shailputri

Introduction to Goddess Shailaputri, the 1st form of Goddess Durga

Goddess Shailputri is the first form of Navadurga, the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped on the first day of Navratri, October 03, 2024, Thursday, the nine-day festival of the Hindu mother goddess. Shailputri means "the daughter of the mountain" and refers to her birth as the daughter of King Himavan, the lord of the Himalayas. She is also known as Sati, Parvati, Hemavati, and Bhavani. She is the consort of Lord Shiva and the mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. She represents the pure and primal energy of nature and creation.

The Origin of Shailputri Devi or Shailaputri Story

Goddess Shailputri is believed to be the reincarnation of Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva. Sati was the daughter of King Daksha, who despised Shiva and did not invite him to his grand sacrifice. Sati went to the sacrifice against Shiva's wish and was humiliated by her father. Unable to bear the insult, she immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. This enraged Shiva and carried her corpse across the universe, causing destruction and chaos. Lord Vishnu cut Sati's body into 51 pieces with his discus to calm him down. These pieces fell on different places on earth and became sacred sites known as Shakti Peethas.

Sati was reborn as Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan and Queen Menavati. She grew up as a beautiful and pious princess devoted to Lord Shiva. She performed severe penance to win his love and married him after overcoming many obstacles. She became his faithful companion and participated in his cosmic dance. She also assisted him in his battles against demons and evil forces. She is considered his Shakti, or power, that complements his Shiva, or consciousness.

The Iconography of Devi Shailputri

Goddess Shailputri is depicted as a fair-complexioned woman with two hands and a crescent moon on her forehead. She wears a red or white sari and ornaments made of gold and pearls. She holds a trident in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left hand. She rides on a bull, which is her vehicle or vahana. The trident symbolizes her power over the three realms of heaven, earth, and underworld. The lotus flower symbolizes her purity and beauty. The bull symbolizes her strength and fertility.

The Worship of Shailputri Maa Durga

Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the first day (October 3rd 2024) of Navratri with great devotion and enthusiasm. She is offered prayers, hymns, flowers, fruits, sweets, milk, honey, ghee, and coconut. Her favorite color is red, so devotees wear red clothes and decorate their homes with red flowers. They also light lamps and incense sticks in her honor. They meditate on her form and chant her mantras to seek her blessings

The Legends of Goddess Shailputri

Many legends associated with Goddess Maa Shailputri highlight her various aspects and deeds. Some of them are:

According to one legend, when Parvati was born as the daughter of Himavan, she had a dark complexion due to a curse from a sage in her previous birth. She was unhappy with her appearance and wanted to become fair like Lord Shiva. Sati performed penance for thousands of years in a forest and endured many hardships, such as heat, cold, rain, wind, wild animals, etc. She also ate only leaves and fruits as her food. Her penance pleased Lord Brahma, who appeared before her and granted her wish. He also told her that she would marry Lord Shiva in this birth.

According to another legend, when Parvati decided to marry Lord Shiva, she faced opposition from her parents, who wanted her to marry someone else. They tried to persuade her by showing her the portraits of various kings and princes who were handsome, wealthy, powerful, etc. But Parvati rejected them all and said she would only marry Lord Shiva, supreme among all gods. She then left her palace and went to Mount Kailash, where she served Lord Shiva as his maid.

According to yet another legend, when Parvati married Lord Shiva, she wanted to accompany him in his cosmic dance or tandava that he performed at night on the cremation grounds. But Lord Shiva refused to take her along as he thought she could not bear the sight of the dead bodies, ghosts, goblins, etc., that surrounded him. Parvati insisted that she was his equal and could face anything with him. She became Goddess Kali, the fierce and dark goddess of death and destruction. Kali joined Lord Shiva in his dance and matched his steps and movements. Lord Shiva was impressed by her courage and grace and accepted her as his partner.

Planet controlled by Goddess Shailputri

Goddess Shailputri is said to control the planet Moon, also known as Chandra or Soma in Sanskrit. The Moon is the nearest celestial body to the Earth, influencing the tides, seasons, human emotions, etc. The Moon is also associated with human beings' minds, imagination, creativity, intuition, etc. The Moon is considered the lord of the zodiac sign Cancer and the nakshatra Rohini. The Moon is among the nine planets or navagrahas worshipped in Hindu astrology.

The Significance of Goddess Maa Shailputri

Goddess Shailputri is the first form of Navadurga and represents the beginning of the Navratri festival. Navratri first day goddess signifies nature's pure and primal energy and creation in every living being. She also signifies the power of devotion and determination to overcome any obstacle or challenge. She teaches us to be humble and respectful towards our parents and elders. She also teaches us to be loyal and faithful towards our spouse and partner. She inspires us to seek the supreme truth and bliss that is Lord Shiva.

Shailaputri Devi Mantra

Many mantras are chanted to invoke the blessings of Goddess Shailputri. Some of them are:

• Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah - This is the basic mantra that is chanted to worship Goddess Shailputri.
•  Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam | Vrisharudham Shooldharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim ||  - This is a verse from the Devi Mahatmya that praises Goddess Shailputri as the one who fulfills the desires of her devotees, who has a crescent moon on her head, who rides on a bull, who holds a trident, and who is glorious.
• Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita | Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah ||- This is a verse from the Durga Saptashati that salutes Goddess Shailputri as the one who resides in all beings as Maa Shailaputri.

The Prayers of Goddess Shailputri

Many prayers are offered to Goddess Shailputri to express one's love and gratitude towards her. Some of them are:

• Shailaputri Stuti: This is a hymn that praises Goddess Shailputri as the daughter of the mountain king, as the wife of Lord Shiva, as the mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, as the goddess of nature and creation, as the giver of happiness and prosperity, etc.
• Shailaputri Ashtakam:: This is a hymn that consists of eight verses that glorify Goddess Shailputri as the supreme goddess who is beyond all qualities and attributes, who is eternal and blissful, who is compassionate and merciful, who is powerful and graceful, who is auspicious and benevolent, etc.
• Shailaputri Kavacham: This hymn is a protective armor that shields one from all kinds of dangers and evils. It invokes Devi Shailputri as the one who protects one from enemies, diseases, and sorrows.

The Rituals of Goddess Shailputri

Many rituals are performed to worship Goddess Shailputri and seek her blessings. Some of them are:

• Ghatasthapana - This is the ritual of installing a clay pot or Kalash filled with water, grains, coins, etc., on a soil bed and sowing barley or wheat seeds. The pot is covered with a coconut and a cloth and decorated with flowers and leaves. The pot represents Goddess Shailputri and is worshipped for nine days.
• Shodashopachara Puja - This is the ritual of offering sixteen types of services or items to Goddess Shailputri, such as invocation, seat, water, bath, clothes, ornaments, sandalwood paste, flowers, incense, lamp, food, betel leaf, fruits, coconut, donation, and farewell.
• Durga Saptashati Path - This is the ritual of reciting the Durga Saptashati or the seven hundred verses praising Goddess Durga that are part of the Markandeya Purana. The verses describe the glory and deeds of Goddess Durga and her various forms, including Goddess Shailputri.
• Aarti and Prasad - This is the ritual of waving lamps or diyas in front of Goddess Shailputri and singing hymns or songs in her honor. The lamps symbolize the light of knowledge and wisdom that dispels the darkness of ignorance and evil. The prasad, or sacred food, is distributed among the devotees as a sign of grace and blessing.

The Temples of Goddess Shailputri

There are many temples dedicated to Goddess Shailputri Devi across India and abroad. Some of the famous ones are:

• Shailaputri Devi Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - This is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where the right hand of Sati fell. The temple is located near the Manikarnika Ghat on the banks of the Ganga River. The idol of Goddess Shailputri is made of black stone and has a trident in her hand.
• Shailputri Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand - This is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas where the navel of Sati fell. The temple is located on the Bilwa Parvat or Neel Parvat on the way to Mansa Devi Temple. The idol of Goddess Shailputri is made of white marble and has a lotus in her hand.
• Shailaputri Devi Temple in Chhattisgarh is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, whom King Jajawalya Dev built in the 14th century. The temple is located in Rajnandgaon district and has beautiful architecture and sculpture. The idol of Goddess Shailputri is made of brass and has a trident in her hand.

The Benefits of Worshipping Shailaputri Devi

By worshipping Goddess Shailputri, one can attain many benefits for oneself and one's family. Some of them are:

• Get rid of any physical or mental ailments and diseases.
• Eliminate any negative influences or effects of planets, especially the Moon.
• Eliminate obstacles or difficulties in one's life or career.
• Enjoy success and prosperity in one's endeavors and ventures.
• Experience peace and happiness in one's family and relationships.
• Get spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
• Worship Maa Shailaputri on October 03, 2024, Thursday while wearing orange, she gives them traits like love and joy. This color makes people feel good and keeps the upbeat.

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Sulekha is your one-stop destination for all your Astro and pooja needs. Whether you want to perform a simple puja or a grand homa for Goddess Shailaputri Devi, Sulekha will provide you with the best service possible. So what are you waiting for? Book your service today and get ready to experience the grace and power of Goddess Shailputri