STORY

Goddess Shailaputri is one of the most well-known manifestations of Goddess Durga. She was born as the daughter of "Parvat Raj Himalaya," King of the Mountains. The name "Shailaputri" refers to the mountain's little girl (Putri) (Shaila). Devi Shailputri, also known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati, or Hemavati, is the daughter of Himavat, the Himalayan ruler.

Maa Shailputri was the daughter of King Daksha in a previous life. Sati was her name at the time. In King Daksha's absence, his wife Prasuti married her daughter Sati to Lord Shiva. King Daksha opposed Lord Shiva and Sati's marriage. He was enraged and humiliated by this act, so King Daksha severed all ties with daughter Sati. The thought of Sati marrying Lord Shiva haunted Daksha day and night, and his rage grew with each passing day. Daksha organised a large Yagna to humiliate and vent his rage. He invited all the Gods and Goddesses, as well as the learned Sages, but He did not invite Lord Shiva and Sati to the Yagna. Despite this, Sati wanted to attend the Yagna because she thought it would be a good opportunity to reunite with her parents. She lived happily in the Himalayas with Lord Shiva, but she hadn't seen Her parents in a long time.

Despite Lord Shiva's denial, she decided to attend the Yagna. Sati, eager to attend the Yagna, insisted on accompanying Her consort Lord Shiva to the location. Lord Shiva and Sati arrive at the location of the Yagna. Sati's joy was short-lived, however, as King Daksha insulted Lord Shiva in front of all the guests at the Yagna. Sati could not bear Her spouse's insult and threw herself into the fire of the Yagna. Sati reincarnated as the daughter of Himavat and was given the name Himavati (Parvati), and as in Her previous incarnation, after she grew up, she tied the Holy knot of marriage with Lord Shiva.

ICONOGRAPHY

Shailputri Mata is depicted sitting on a Nandi, with a serene face and a pleasant aura. She wears a crescent Moon on Her brow and holds a Trident in Her right hand and a Lotus flower in Her left.

Ruling Planet

Maa Shailputri is also known as Pratham Shailputri or the First Navratri Devi because She is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Shailputri Mata is the first Mata of Navratri and is highly revered. Moon is ruled by Maa Shailputri. Worshiping Her with a pure heart is said to protect against all the negative effects of the Moon.

CHAKRA ASSOCIATION

The Muladhara (Root) Chakra is associated with Maa Shailputri. The colour of this chakra is red. According to Yogic beliefs, the first day of Navratri is extremely auspicious. This day represents the beginning of an ardent devotee's spiritual journey. Many devotees meditate, chant mantras, and perform rituals to appease Maa Shailputri and receive siddhis and other boons from her. The Muladhara Shakti, Goddess Shailputri, teaches an individual life lessons. She accomplishes this by awakening an individual's self-consciousness to the power of Muladhara Shakti. Muladhara Chakra is the Base Chakra, which houses our entire body consciousness. As a result, many people, including Sages and Gurus, fast on this day and focus their entire attention on the Muladhara Chakra in order to be one with Shakti, become aware of the higher self, and gradually ascend in the spiritual realm. This is a truly divine soul-searching experience. Shailputri Mata is the Root Chakra goddess (Muladhara Chakra). When she awakens, she begins Her upward journey as Shakti toward Shiva, who resides in the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara Chakra).

One begins their spiritual awakening and life purpose journey. Without energising the Muladhara chakra, one lacks the power and strength to face life's challenges. So, on the first day of Navratri pooja, Yogis focus their minds on Muladhara. This is where their spiritual discipline begins. According to Yogic tradition, the first day of Navratri is a very auspicious day. This is the Yogic beginning for connecting with Divine Mother Durga and the energy of the Muladhara chakra for stability and strength. What do Hindu Scriptures say about Goddess Shailaputri? Several Shaivagamas describe the nine forms of Durga, one of which is Goddess Shailaputri. While Devi scriptures such as the Chandi sataka refer to her as a form of Chandi. According to the Kurma Purana, Devi Shailaputri is the goddess who accepted the request of her devotee Shaila - King of the Mountains - for being his daughter. A description of this Goddess, as well as the other Navadurga's, can also be found in the Durga saptashati. Several books on Shakthi include the name of this goddess as one of the 64 yoginis. In addition, itihasas such as the Mahabharata have used the name Shailaputri as a synonym for the name Parvathi.