Navratri 2026 Day 1: The first day of Sharadiya Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga. According to the Hindu calendar, Sharadiya Navratri begins on October 11, 2026. Devotees worship Maa Shailputri at the beginning of the nine-day festival and seek her blessings for strength, peace and a positive beginning..But why is Maa Shailputri worshipped first among the nine forms of Goddess Durga? Her name, appearance and story carry a special significance in Hindu tradition..
Who Is Maa Shailputri?
The name Shailputri comes from two Sanskrit words: “Shaila,” meaning mountain, and “Putri,” meaning daughter. According to Hindu mythology, Maa Shailputri is the daughter of Himavan, the king of the mountains. She is also regarded as a manifestation of Goddess Parvati..Maa Shailputri is commonly depicted riding a bull, holding a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other. The bull is known as Nandi. Her appearance represents strength, simplicity, devotion and a close connection with nature..
Why Is Maa Shailputri Worshipped on the First Day of Navratri?
Navratri is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, traditionally worshipped over nine days. Maa Shailputri is worshipped first because she represents the beginning of the Navdurga worship sequence..Her form is associated with stability, strength and devotion. Just as a mountain represents firmness and endurance, Maa Shailputri is seen as a symbol of remaining steady through life's challenges..For devotees, the first day of Navratri is an opportunity to begin the festival with prayer, discipline and faith. The worship is also a reminder to build a strong foundation before moving forward on any spiritual journey..
The Story Behind Maa Shailputri
According to a well-known Hindu mythological account, Goddess Parvati was born as the daughter of King Himavan after her previous birth as Sati. In her earlier life, Sati was the daughter of King Daksha and the wife of Lord Shiva..When Daksha organised a yajna without inviting Lord Shiva, Sati went to the ceremony despite Shiva's concerns. After witnessing the disrespect shown towards her husband, she gave up her life in the sacrificial fire, according to the traditional narrative..She was later reborn as Parvati, the daughter of Himavan, and eventually reunited with Lord Shiva through her devotion and penance..Maa Shailputri represents this divine form of Parvati. Her story is remembered as part of the mythology associated with the first day of Navratri..
Maa Shailputri Puja Vidhi
Devotees can worship Maa Shailputri at home by following their family traditions and local customs..Begin by cleaning the place of worship and taking a bath. Place an image or idol of Maa Shailputri on a clean platform and light a diya. Offer fresh flowers, especially white flowers where customary, along with fruits, sweets and other permitted offerings..Chant Maa Shailputri's mantra with devotion and offer prayers for peace, strength and well-being. If you observe a fast, choose food according to your health, family tradition and religious practice. Complete the worship with an aarti..Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana, is performed by devotees who follow this Navratri ritual. The method and auspicious timing can vary by location, so check a local panchang for the appropriate details..
Maa Shailputri Mantra
Devotees commonly chant the following mantra while worshipping Maa Shailputri:
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Shailputryai Namah.
The mantra is a devotional salutation to Maa Shailputri. It may be chanted repeatedly according to one's personal practice..
What Bhog Is Offered to Maa Shailputri?
Devotees offer fruits, sweets and other sattvic foods to Maa Shailputri. White-coloured offerings, such as milk-based sweets, are used in some traditions. The exact bhog can differ according to regional customs and family practices..After the offering, prasad is shared with family members and other devotees..
What Is the Significance of Maa Shailputri's Bull and Trident?
Maa Shailputri's bull represents Nandi, who is closely associated with Lord Shiva. The bull is commonly understood as a symbol of strength and steadiness..The trident is associated with divine power and protection, while the lotus represents purity and spiritual growth. These interpretations are part of the religious symbolism associated with her image..Her form reminds devotees that strength and devotion can exist together, and that a steady mind can help a person face difficult situations..
Which Colour Is Associated With Navratri Day 1?
Orange is commonly listed as the colour for the first day of Sharadiya Navratri in the 2026 Navratri colour calendar. It is associated with energy, enthusiasm and positivity in festival traditions..Many devotees choose to wear orange on the first day as part of their Navratri observance. Wearing a particular colour is a tradition, not a compulsory requirement for worship.
Happy Navratri!
