Shailaputri- Navdurga Formation
Navadurga is nine expressions of Goddess Parvati in Hinduism, particularly worshipped during Navratri and Durga Puja. The nine forms of Durga are often worshipped as a single deity, particularly among Hindus of the Shaktism sect, and the nine forms are idolized on Nine days.
According to Hindu mythology, the nine forms are the nine stages of Parvati during the nine-day long war with the evil spirit Mahishasura, where the tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami (lit. ‘Victory day’) among Hindus and is considered one of the most important festivals, along with Navaratri.
Shailaputri- the first form of goddess Parvati
Out of the nine avatars, the first one which is known as Pratipada is called Shailaputri which is worshipped on this day. The holy ritual of Ghatasthapana, which is also believed to invoke Goddess Durga, kicks off the Navratri festival. This celebration commemorates the triumph of good over evil.
Maa Shailaputri is Maa Durga’s first incarnation. On this auspicious day, she is worshipped, followed by Maa Bramhacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, and other avatars of Goddess Durga. Shail means mountain in Sanskrit, and putri means daughter. Goddess Shailaputri, the absolute form of Mother Nature, is also known as the Mountain’s daughter.
History & Origin
Goddess Shailaputri is a manifestation of Devi Sati, according to Hindu beliefs. She was the daughter of King Daksha Prajapati, the son of Lord Brahma in this incarnation. Lord Shiva married Devi Sati. However, King Daksha was dissatisfied with this marriage because he did not think Lord Shiva was worthy of marrying a girl from an honorable family.
According to legend, King Daksha once invited all Gods to a grand religious assembly (Maha Yagna). He did not invite Lord Shiva and Devi Sati because he was opposed to their marriage.
Devi Sati decided to attend the Maha Yagna after learning about it. Lord Shiva tried to explain that King Daksha did not want them to attend the Yagna, but Devi Sati insisted on ongoing. Lord Shiva recognized her longing to return home and permitted her to attend the Yagna.
However, as soon as Devi Sati arrived, she noticed that none of the relatives were pleased to see her. Devi Sati’s sisters and relatives, with the exception of her mother, mocked her. In front of all the Gods, King Daksha made some disparaging remarks about Lord Shiva and insulted him. Devi Sati could not take the insult and immediately leaped into the sacrificial fire intended for the Maha Yagna, immolating herself.
When Lord Shiva learned of this, he became enraged and immediately assumed the terrifying form of Veerbhadra. Lord Shiva then proceeded to the Maha Yagna, where he decapitated King Daksha. Lord Vishnu later intervened, and King Daksha was resurrected with a goat’s head attached to his body.
Lord Shiva was still overcome with grief as he carried Devi Sati’s half-burned corpse on his shoulders. He couldn’t bear the thought of being apart from her and wandered aimlessly around the world. Lord Vishnu severed Devi Sati’s corpse with his Sudarshan Chakra, and parts of her body fell in various locations. These locations became known as Shakti-Peethas.
Devi Sati was reincarnated as the daughter of Himalaya, the God of Mountains. In this incarnation, she was known as Shailputri and Parvati. Due to her long path of penance in this incarnation, she became known as Maa Bramhacharini or Goddess Parvati. She was once again married to Lord Shiva and had two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya.
Maa Shailaputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri because she is an avatar of Goddess Durga. She rides a bull (Nandi) while holding a lotus in one hand and a trident in the other. Maa Shailaputri is highly revered, and devotees believe that with her blessings, they can live a happy and prosperous life.
Shailaputri Mata’s Mantra
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Importance
Goddess Shailputri is the ultimate manifestation of Mother Nature. She exemplifies patience and devotion. She is also Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Lord Shiva’s consort in this form. She was Sati in her previous birth before taking on the form of Shailaputri, and she immolated herself in a yogic fire as her husband Lord Shiva was demeaned in a sacramental ceremony held by her father Daksh Prajapati.
With due respect, she takes the incarnation of Devi Shailputri to be married again to Lord Shiva. Devi Shailaputri is the source of Shakti and resides in Muladhara Chakra. The first day of our spiritual journey should be spent focusing on this chakra in order to be endowed with strength, courage, and calmness.
Temples
Shailputri is situated at A40/11, Marhia Ghat. If one travels from Varanasi Railway station through G.T road, just before Varanasi City Station, a small road takes a left turn where you will encounter a level crossing. You will have to travel for about 2 km to reach this place. One can also take an auto as the local drivers know where the Shailaputri temple is located.
Frequently Asked Question
The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, the Goddess Durga's first form. People worship Goddess Shailputri in this form as a girl child and the daughter of a mountain. Yellow is the colour of the first day.
For bhog, you can make aloo ka halwa, rajgira ka ladoo, or sabudana khichdi.
Shailaputri is the daughter of Himalaya and rides on mount Nandi bull.
With the Blessings of Maa Shailputri, we’ve delivered this article in the best form and hope that it helped you! If there are any discrepancies you can mention them in the comment section. May Maa Shailputri shower all the blessings and strength on you!
HAPPY NAVRATRI
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