Maa Shailputri – First Form of Navdurga and Goddess of the Root Chakra
Maa Shailputri is the first form of Navdurga and is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Her name means “Daughter of the Mountain” (Shaila = mountain, Putri = daughter), signifying her birth as the daughter of King Himalaya after Sati immolated herself.
She rides a white bull, traditionally identified with Nandi, and holds a trident and lotus. These symbols are associated with strength, purity, courage and spiritual steadiness.
As a divine manifestation of Goddess Parvati, Maa Shailputri represents the foundation of spiritual awakening and is traditionally connected with the Muladhara or Root Chakra.
Who Is Maa Shailputri?
Maa Shailputri is traditionally regarded as the first manifestation of the nine forms of Goddess Durga known collectively as Navdurga or Nav Durga. Her worship begins the sacred nine-day journey of Navratri.
The name Shailputri comes from the Sanskrit words Shaila, meaning mountain, and Putri, meaning daughter. She is therefore known as the Daughter of the Mountain. She is associated with Parvati, daughter of Himavan, and her form represents stability, strength, purity, devotion and the grounding required for spiritual practice.
The first day of Navratri is therefore not simply the beginning of a festival. It is traditionally viewed as the beginning of an inner journey. Devotees seek to establish steadiness, devotion and a firm spiritual foundation before moving through the remaining forms of Navdurga.
The Story of Maa Shailputri
In her previous birth, the Goddess was Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Sati sacrificed herself during the yajna performed by her father, King Daksha, after witnessing the insult directed towards Lord Shiva.
Sati had married Shiva despite the wishes of her powerful father, King Daksha. When Daksha organized his yajna, Shiva and Sati were not invited. Sati nevertheless decided to attend her paternal home.
According to the traditional story, Sati was unable to bear the disrespect shown towards her husband. She entered the sacred fire and gave up her body.
Shiva, overcome by grief, carried Sati's body and performed the cosmic dance of destruction. To restore balance, Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra, and different parts of Sati's body are traditionally associated with the sacred Shakti Peethas.
The same divine energy was later reborn as the daughter of the mountain king Himavan and came to be known as Shailputri.
She is also known as Parvati and Haimavati. In this birth she again united with Lord Shiva and became worshipped as the first manifestation of Goddess Durga during Navratri.
Seated upon a bull and associated with the mountains, Maa Shailputri is traditionally portrayed as a gentle yet powerful form of the Divine Mother. Her story represents devotion, resilience, transformation and the restoration of divine balance.
Sati married Shiva, the ascetic, for love against the wishes of her powerful father, King Daksha.
When Daksha hosted a yajna to which the divine beings were invited except Sati and Shiva, Sati decided to attend the festivities despite the circumstances. According to the traditional narrative, Sati created or unleashed the Ten Mahavidyas in order to convince Shiva to allow her to go to her paternal home.
At her paternal home, unable to bear the insult offered to her husband, Sati entered the sacred fire and died. Shiva, grief-stricken, carried her body and performed the Tandava. As parts of Sati's body are traditionally said to have fallen to different places after Vishnu's intervention, the sacred Shakti Peethas became associated with those locations.
Read more about Vishnu and the traditional stories associated with the Divine Mother.
Symbolism of Maa Shailputri
Every element associated with Maa Shailputri carries symbolic meaning within the traditional iconography of Navdurga. Her form combines gentleness with strength and represents the grounded beginning of the Navratri spiritual journey.
Mountain
Represents stability, endurance, grounding and the ability to remain steady through changing circumstances.
White Bull
Traditionally associated with strength, steadiness, discipline and the grounded nature of the Goddess.
Trident
Represents divine power and the ability to overcome different forms of negativity.
Lotus
Symbolizes purity, spiritual awakening and the emergence of higher consciousness.
Nature
Shailputri's mountain association reflects the connection between divine Shakti, nature and the foundations of life.
Spiritual Foundation
As the first Navdurga, she represents the beginning of inner discipline and spiritual transformation.
Maa Shailputri and the Muladhara Chakra
Maa Shailputri is traditionally associated with the Muladhara Chakra, also called the Root Chakra. The Muladhara is regarded as the foundation of the chakra system in many yogic traditions.
Symbolically, the Root Chakra represents grounding, stability, security, connection with the physical world and the foundation upon which higher spiritual development can take place.
This association makes the first day of Navratri particularly meaningful as the beginning of an inward journey. Before seeking higher spiritual awareness, the practitioner first develops steadiness and a grounded state of mind.
How to Perform Maa Shailputri Puja on the First Day of Navratri
Maa Shailputri Puja is traditionally performed on the first day of Navratri. The worship can be performed according to one's family tradition, regional customs and spiritual practice.
Take Sankalp
Before starting the Puja, take a sincere Sankalp in your mind and pray for the blessings of Maa Shailputri for yourself and your family.
Prepare the Puja Place
Clean the Puja space and establish a peaceful and spiritually suitable place for worship.
Ghatasthapana / Kalash Sthapana
Place the Kalash filled with water in the Puja Ghar, traditionally associated with Ghatasthapana, and place a coconut on its mouth according to your family tradition.
Invoke Lord Ganesha
Begin the worship with prayers to Lord Ganesha. The traditional page mentions the invocation: “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”.
Offer Flowers and Light
Offer flowers, incense and a ghee lamp. Red flowers, white flowers and other traditional offerings may be used according to one's family practice.
Chant Maa Shailputri Mantra
Chant the Maa Shailputri Mantra with concentration, devotion and a peaceful state of mind.
Durga Saptashati / Sacred Reading
Devotees may begin Durga Saptashati Path or other traditional devotional reading according to their spiritual tradition.
Bhog and Aarti
Offer Bhog and complete the worship with Maa Durga Aarti and prayers for peace, strength, protection and the well-being of the family.
Traditional Maa Shailputri Dhyan / Stuti
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढ़ां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
Maa Shailputri Puja Offerings and Bhog
Traditional worship of Maa Shailputri includes simple, sattvic offerings made with devotion. The existing Astroshastra Shailputri tradition mentions offerings such as pure desi ghee, cow's milk, kheer and white flowers.
- Pure desi ghee
- Cow's milk
- Kheer
- White flowers
- Fresh fruits
- Incense and a ghee lamp
- Traditional Naivedya according to family custom
The exact offerings may differ according to region, family tradition and the form of Navratri Puja being performed. Devotion, cleanliness and sincerity remain central to worship.
Maa Shailputri in Navratri and Navratre
Navratri, also written as Navratre, is a sacred nine-night period associated with the worship of Goddess Durga and the nine manifestations of Shakti known as Navdurga.
The first day begins with Maa Shailputri. Her qualities of stability, strength and purity provide the symbolic foundation for the remaining eight forms of the Divine Mother.
During Navratri, devotees may observe fasting, daily Puja, mantra chanting, devotional reading, Aarti, meditation, charitable acts and other traditional practices.
In different parts of India, Navratri takes different cultural forms. Some communities emphasize Durga Puja, some observe fasting and devotional rituals, while others celebrate through Garba, Dandiya, music and community worship. The underlying theme remains devotion to Shakti and the traditional victory of good over evil.
Navratri and Navratre Worship Practices
Navratri worship varies across regions and family traditions, but several practices are commonly associated with the festival. These include Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana, daily Puja, mantra chanting, fasting, devotional reading, Aarti, Bhog, charity and worship of the Navdurga.
Devotees may also read sacred texts such as Durga Saptashati, Devi Mahatmya or other traditional prayers according to their spiritual practice.
On Ashtami or Navami, many families perform Kanya Puja according to their regional tradition. In other regions, Navratri is celebrated through Durga Puja, Garba, Dandiya and large community gatherings.
Navratri Remedies and Spiritual Practices
Astroshastra also presents Navratri as an auspicious period for traditional spiritual practices and remedies. Depending upon one's beliefs and personal tradition, devotees may use mantra chanting, charity, Puja, fasting and devotional practices during the nine days.
Traditional Navratri remedies may be performed with specific intentions such as spiritual discipline, prosperity, protection, relationship harmony, removal of obstacles and general well-being.
For a detailed collection of such practices, explore the Astroshastra Navratre Remedies guide.
Maa Shailputri and Goddess Durga
Maa Shailputri is not separate from the wider tradition of Goddess Durga and Shakti worship. She is the first manifestation in the Navdurga sequence and begins the nine-day spiritual progression of Navratri.
Goddess Durga represents divine Shakti, protection, courage and transformative power. During Navratri, the worship of the Goddess takes many forms, with each manifestation emphasizing a different quality of divine feminine energy.
Explore the dedicated Goddess Durga page on Astroshastra for a broader understanding of Durga, Navdurga and the significance of Shakti worship.
FAQs About Maa Shailputri and Navratri
Who is Maa Shailputri?
Maa Shailputri is traditionally worshipped as the first form of Navdurga on the first day of Navratri. She is associated with Parvati, daughter of the mountain, and represents strength, stability, purity and spiritual foundation.
Which day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri?
Maa Shailputri is traditionally worshipped on the first day of Navratri.
What is Maa Shailputri Mantra?
The commonly recited mantra is: ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥ or “Om Devi Shailputryai Namah”.
What does Maa Shailputri symbolize?
Maa Shailputri symbolizes strength, stability, purity, determination and the foundation of spiritual awakening. She is traditionally associated with the Muladhara Chakra.
What are the nine forms of Maa Durga?
The nine forms are Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri.
What is the significance of Navratri?
Navratri is traditionally a nine-night period dedicated to Shakti and the worship of Goddess Durga and her manifestations. It is associated with devotion, spiritual discipline, purification and the victory of good over negative forces.
Can Maa Shailputri Puja be performed at home?
Yes. Devotees may perform a simple Maa Shailputri Puja at home using a clean Puja space, traditional offerings, mantra chanting, prayer and Aarti according to their family customs and spiritual tradition.
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