The auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day celebration dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her divine incarnations, begins on April 9 this year. On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, Hindu devotees pay homage to Maa Shailputri, one of the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. This day also marks the beginning of summer and coincides with other significant Indian festivals like Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Who is Maa Shailputri and Her Significance?
Maa Shailputri is revered as the embodiment of prosperity and fortune, and devotees pray to her for spiritual awakening. She is believed to be the daughter of Lord Himalaya, hence the name Shailputri, where ‘Shail’ means mountain and ‘Putri’ means daughter. The goddess is also associated with the Moon and is depicted riding a bull, known as Vrisharudha. With a Trishul in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left, Maa Shailputri signifies purity, innocence, peace, and calmness.
Day 1: Date, Timing, and Ghatasthapana Muhurat, The first day of Chaitra Navratri falls on April 9.
Here are the important timings and muhurats for the day:
– Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 6:02 am to 10:16 am
– Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat: 11:57 am to 12:48 pm on April 9
– Pratipada Tithi begins on April 8 at 11:50 pm and ends on April 9 at 8:30 pm
– Vaidhrti Yog begins on April 8 at 6:14 pm and ends on April 9 at 2:18 pm
– Chandra Darshan timing: 6:44 pm to 7:29 pm
Day 1: Colour, Puja Vidhi, Samagri, and Rituals
The color associated with the first day of Navratri is white. Devotees wake up early, take a bath, and seek blessings from Maa Shailputri and Adi Shakti. The significant ritual of Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana is performed.
Here’s a brief guide to the puja vidhi:
1. Ghatasthapana: Devotees install a pot (kalash) at a sanctified place at home. The kalash is filled with Ganga Jal, coins, supari, and akshat (raw rice and turmeric powder). Five mango leaves are placed around the Kalash, covered with a coconut.
2. Prayers and Offerings: Light a diya (lamp) for nine days near the pot. Place a pan with mud and navadhanya seeds and fill it with water. Offer incense sticks, flowers, fruits, sweets, and a special bhog of Desi Ghee to Maa Shailputri.
3. Puja Mantra and Prayers:
– Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah
– Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam
– Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita
– Prathama Durga Tvamhi Bhavasagarah Taranim
– Dhana Aishwarya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham
– Trilojanani Tvamhi Paramananda Pradiyaman
– Saubhagyarogya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham
– Charachareshwari Tvamhi Mahamoha Vinashinim
– Mukti Bhukti Dayinim Shailaputri Pranamamyaham
As devotees celebrate the first day of Chaitra Navratri, they invoke the blessings of Maa Shailputri for prosperity, well-being, and spiritual growth. The festival brings a sense of joy, devotion, and renewal as they embark on the nine-day journey of worship and devotion to the divine mother.
