Start of Sharadiya Navratri: Know why Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first day

Sharadiya Navratri has started from today, that is, Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first Navratri today. Goddess Shailputri is considered to be the first form among the nine forms of Goddess Durga. According to the scriptures, worshipping her brings health, prosperity and mental peace. Worship of Maa Shailputri is considered to be a symbol of positive energy in life and freedom from diseases.

Form and importance of the mother

The form of Maa Shailputri is gentle and simple. Maa rides the bull Nandi, i.e. Taurus. She has a trident in one hand and a lotus flower in the other hand. Maa is very fond of the white color. Maa Shailputri resides in the mountains.

Know why Maa is worshipped in the first form

According to mythology, in her previous birth, Goddess Shailputri was Sati. Once Maa Sati’s father Prajapati Daksha organized a Mahayagya. In this yagya, he invited all the gods and goddesses, but did not invite Lord Shiva and his daughter Sati. Sati had a great desire to go to her father’s yagya. Lord Shiva explained to her that it is not right to go without being invited, but Sati did not agree. In front of Sati’s insistence, Lord Shiva allowed her to go. When Sati reached her father’s house, she was insulted there. Sati could not tolerate the insult of her husband and she jumped into the yagya and burnt herself in the fire. When Lord Shiva came to know about this, he became angry and got Daksha’s yagya destroyed. After this, Mother Sati was born as the daughter of Himalaya and was named Shailputri. When Himalaya Putri appeared during the sunrise, her color became orange due to the rays of the sun. Being the daughter of Himalaya, the goddess also came to be known as Prakriti Swaroopa. Shailputri was married to Lord Shankar and she was again called his wife.

How to worship the Goddess

The worship of Goddess Shailputri should be done in the morning in Brahma Muhurta and wearing white clothes. The Goddess loves white colour, therefore white flowers should be used in the worship. The Kalash should be established with the family. In the worship of Goddess Shailputri, things made from cow’s milk should be offered. By worshipping Goddess Shailputri, there is happiness and peace in the house.