Chaitra Navratri 2023 Day 1: Who is Maa Shailputri? Puja vidhi, muhurat, significance, samagri, mantra

The Hindu festival of Chaitra Navratri begins on March 22 this year. Chaitra Navratri starts on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar and falls in March or April. It also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga and her nine incarnations – Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmcharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri. Additionally, the last day of Chaitra Navratri is called Ram Navami – it celebrates the birth of Lord Ram. On the first day of the nine-day-long festival, Maa Shailputri, known to be a form of Parvati and a reincarnation of Sati, is worshipped by people. Her name is formed with two words Shail (mountain) + Putri (daughter), meaning daughter of the mountains.

(Also Read | Happy Chaitra Navratri 2023: Best wishes, images, messages, greetings to share with loved ones)

Chaitra Navratri 2023: Who is Maa Shailputri?

Maa Shailputri is one of the Navadurgas. After the self-immolation as Goddess Sati, Goddess Parvati took birth as the daughter of Lord Himalaya and was known as Maa Shailputri (Hemavati or Parvati). The Goddess rides a bull, has two hands, and carries a Trishul in the right hand and a lotus flower in the left hand. Similar to her previous birth as Goddess Sati, Goddess Shailputri married Lord Shiva.

Chaitra Navratri Day 1 Significance:

Goddess Shailputri governs the Moon, the provider of all fortunes and prosperity. It is believed that any bad effect of the Moon can be overcome by worshipping this form of Adi Shakti. Her colour is white and denotes purity, innocence, peace and calmness.

Chaitra Navratri Day 1 Puja Vidhi and Samagri:

On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees of Maa Durga worship Maa Shailputri to seek her blessings for the well-being of their families. They begin the ritual of Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana – a pot is installed at a sanctified place at home, and a lamp is lit inside for nine days. It is one of the significant rituals during Navratri. Mud and navadhanya seeds are placed in a pan to which water is added. A kalash filled with Ganga Jal, some coins, supari, and akshat (raw rice and turmeric powder) is placed in the place of worship. Five mango leaves are placed around the kalash and covered with coconut. Devotees also place an oil lamp, incense sticks, flowers, fruits, and sweets near Maa Shailputri.

Chaitra Navratri Day 1 Muhurat:

Chaitra Ghatasthapana falls on March 22, Wednesday, and the muhurta will last from 6:23 am to 7:32 am. The Pratipada Tithi begins at 10:52 pm on March 1 and at 8:20 pm on March 22. The Meena Lagna is from 6:23 am to 7:32 am on March 22.

Chaitra Navratri Day 1 Prasad:

Maa Shailputri is the symbol of the power of Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. To get the blessings of Goddess Shailputri, offer desi ghee as prasad.

Chaitra Navratri Day 1 Mantra:

1) Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah.

2) Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.

3) Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam

Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim.