Every day during Navaratri, one of Devi Durga’s nine forms is honoured. Shailputri, the initial form of Maa Durga, was born to the King of Mountains. The words “Shail” and “putri” denote “mountain” and “daughter,” respectively. As a result, she is known as Shailputri, or Mountain Daughter. On the first day of Navratri, Maa Shailputri, an absolute form of Mother Nature, is worshipped. She is also known as Goddess Parvati, as she is Lord Shiva’s consort and the mother of Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. Maa Shailputri is shown as a celestial lady holding a trishul in one hand and a lotus blossom in the other. She is mounted on a bull named Nandi.

Maa Shailputri is the goddess of the muladhara chakra, or root chakra, and when this Shakti is awakened, one begins their path to spiritual enlightenment and finding their life’s mission. It is impossible to accomplish anything significant without energising the muladhara chakra. To make the most of one’s valuable human existence, it is believed that one should revere Maa Shailputri. As a result, on the first day of Navratri, this Avtar of Goddess Durga is worshipped.

Chant this mantra to worship Maa Shailputri…
वंदे वाद्द्रिछतलाभाय चंद्रार्धकृतशेखराम |
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्री यशस्विनीम्‌ ||

Vandē vāddrichatalābhāya candrārdhakr̥taśēkharāma |
vr̥ṣārūḍhāṁ śūladharāṁ śailaputrī yaśasvinīm‌ ||

The Hindu festival of Navratri is a unique occasion. It’s a time for new beginnings and expressing your devotion to the Goddess Shakti. Bring home and install a Meru Prusth Shree Yantra this Navratri — a gorgeous, holy sign of Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.