Navaratri Day 1-Shailaputri

The Mountain Maiden

by Katya Faris, MA, MA

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Awakening Strength with Goddess Shailaputri

Navaratri, the sacred nine-night festival, begins with a powerful invocation of the Divine Mother in her primordial form: Goddess Shailaputri. As the first ray of dawn breaks on this auspicious day, we honor the daughter of the mountains, who embodies the unshakable strength and pure potential from which all creation arises. Her worship marks the beginning of our inner journey from inertia towards supreme power.

The Legend: The Eternal Daughter

Shailaputri, whose name means “Daughter of the Mountain” (Shaila: mountain, Putri: daughter), is revered as the reborn form of Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiva.

In her previous life as Sati, she self-immolated in the sacred fire of her father Daksha’s yagna, unable to bear the dishonor shown to her husband, Shiva. Through the fire of sacrifice, she was purified and reborn as Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayan king Himavat. Through intense penance, she won Shiva’s heart once more, symbolizing the soul’s unwavering devotion and its capacity for rebirth and reunion with the Divine.

Thus, Shailaputri represents the eternal feminine principle—resilient, devoted, and rooted in divine strength. She is the foundation upon which the journey of Navaratri is built.

Depiction & Symbolism: The Embodiment of Resolve

She is depicted as a radiant goddess seated upon a bull, holding a trident (trishul) in her right hand and a lotus in her left.

• The Bull (Nandi): Represents Dharma—righteousness, stability, and devoted service. It signifies the patient, steady power that carries the divine will forward.

• The Trident (Trishul): Symbolizes the triple forces of creation, preservation, and destruction, as well as control over the past, present, and future. It is the weapon that destroys ignorance and obstacles.

• The Lotus: Denotes purity, spiritual awakening, and fertility of the soul. Though rooted in the mud of material existence, it blooms unstained, representing our potential for enlightenment.

Together, these symbols portray Shailaputri as the harmonious fusion of power (Shakti), righteousness (Dharma), and purity (Sattva).

Significance: The Foundation of Inner Power

Worshipping Shailaputri is about awakening the Muladhara Chakra—the root energy center at the base of the spine. She governs the earth element, providing the stability, courage, and ground from which all spiritual growth springs.

On this first day, we invoke her to:

• Establish a firm foundation for our nine-day spiritual practice.

• Ignite our inner resolve to face and overcome obstacles.

• Purify our intentions and root out deep-seated negativity and inertia.

She blesses us with the strength to begin our journey with clarity and unwavering determination.

Rituals & Devotion

• Color: Devotees wear vibrant red or orange, colors of sunrise, primal energy, courage, and action. Altars are adorned with red flowers.

• Offering: Pure ghee is offered in the ceremonial lamp. It is believed to nourish the root chakra and bring health and stability.

• Prayer: The day begins with purification, followed by the chanting of her mantras and the performance of Arati. Many observe a fast, consuming simple, sattvic foods.

A Mantra for Day 1

ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah.
“Salutations to the Goddess who is the Daughter of the Mountain.”

As we light the first lamp of Navaratri, let us invite Goddess Shailaputri into our hearts. May her mountainous strength become our own, providing an unshakable foundation as we embark on this sacred journey of transformation. Let the first step be taken with courage, purity, and the steady certainty of the earth itself.

May the blessings of Shailaputri guide your path.
Wishing you a powerful and blessed beginning to Navaratri.