The arrival of the Navratri festival begins with the reverent worship of Mata Shailputri, the first incarnation of Goddess Durga. Her ascent to the heavens marks the start of the divine journey, and as the daughter of the mighty Himalayas, she embodies unparalleled grace, strength, and purity. Shailputri personifies the essence of the divine feminine, a devoted daughter, a loving wife, and a powerful woman.
Her life is a tapestry of devotion, woven with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering strength. Celebrated not only for her power but also for her nurturing balance, she stands as a stabilising force in a world often in turmoil, guiding the hearts of her devotees towards peace and righteousness.
As the acclaimed daughter of King Himalaya and Queen Mena, her existence suggests an intricate pilgrimage attuned to enlightenment as well as inner and outer purity. She is glamorised, in sculpted portrayal, as riding on the celestial bull termed as the ‘dharma-vayu’, who is the supreme bull of the dharma, and also holding a spear, which destroys the obstacles born of primordial ignorance and evil.
Mata Shailputri is a reincarnation of Sati, who was the wife of the revered God Shiva. During Sati’s past existence, she self-immolated herself in an attempt to root out and put a stop to the anger and hate of Sati’s father, which was directed at Shiva.
The worship on the first day of Navratri is dedicated to Mata Shailputri, where devotees pray for health, strength, and spiritual advancement. The day is characterised by the performance of rituals, aspirations, and the offering of flowers like jasmine and marigolds. The colour of the day is white, representing peace and purity.
Share this post