First Day of Navratri: Maa Shailputri Puja, Mythological Story, Mantra and Significance

Oct 11

8 min read

Navratri 2026: The nine-day festival of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga. On the first day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga.

Maa Shailputri is considered a symbol of divine power, devotion, purity, stability and determination. She is known as Shailputri because she was born as the daughter of King of the Mountains, Himalaya.

The word Shailputri is made up of two Sanskrit words—Shail, meaning mountain, and Putri, meaning daughter. Thus, Shailputri means “daughter of the mountain.”

The first day of Navratri is considered especially important for spiritual practices. According to spiritual traditions, the worship of Maa Shailputri is associated with the Muladhara Chakra, which represents the foundation of spiritual energy and inner stability.

When Will Maa Shailputri Be Worshipped in Navratri 2026?

Sharad Navratri 2026 will begin on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Maa Shailputri will be worshipped on the first day of Navratri.

Pratipada Tithi begins: October 10, 2026, at 6:52 PM
Pratipada Tithi ends: October 11, 2026, at 7:54 PM
First Day of Navratri: October 11, 2026, Sunday
First Goddess of Navratri: Maa Shailputri
First Day Navratri Color: Orange
Maa Shailputri Beej Mantra:॥ Om Shaam Shaum Shailputryai Namah ॥

Tithi and puja timings may vary slightly according to the location and local Panchang. Devotees should check their local Panchang for the exact auspicious timings.

Who is Maa Shailputri?

Maa Shailputri is regarded as the first form of Goddess Durga among the Navdurga.

The name Shailputri literally means daughter of the mountain. She is believed to have been born as the daughter of Himalaya, the King of Mountains.

According to Hindu mythology, Maa Shailputri is connected with Mata Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva. In her previous birth, she was born as Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha.

After the tragic incident at Daksha's Yajna, Sati gave up her physical body through yogic fire. In her next birth, she was born as the daughter of Himalaya and came to be known as Shailputri.

She is also associated with the names Parvati and Hemavati.

Maa Shailputri Mythological Story

The story of Maa Shailputri is connected with the previous birth of Goddess Sati. It is a powerful story of devotion, self-respect, sacrifice and divine feminine energy.

Prajapati Daksha Organizes a Grand Yajna

According to the traditional story, Prajapati Daksha once organized a grand Yajna. He invited many gods, sages and divine beings to the ceremony.

However, Daksha deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva and Mata Sati.

Daksha was displeased with Lord Shiva and did not wish to include him in the grand ceremony.

When Mata Sati came to know about the Yajna, she strongly wished to visit her father's home. She wanted to meet her mother and sisters and attend the ceremony.

Mata Sati expressed her desire to Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva explained to her that Daksha was unhappy with him and had deliberately not invited either of them. Therefore, he advised her that going to the Yajna without an invitation might not be appropriate.

However, Mata Sati continued to wish to visit her father's home.

After her repeated request, Lord Shiva allowed her to go to the Yajna.

Mata Sati Is Insulted at Her Father's Yajna

When Mata Sati arrived at her father's home, she was deeply saddened by the atmosphere there.

Although her mother welcomed her affectionately, the overall atmosphere was not respectful toward her and Lord Shiva.

The greatest pain for Mata Sati came when Prajapati Daksha spoke disrespectfully about Lord Shiva.

Mata Sati could not tolerate the insult of her husband.

She also regretted that she had not followed Lord Shiva's advice and had come to the Yajna despite not being invited.

Mata Sati Gives Up Her Body Through Yogic Fire

Mata Sati became deeply hurt by the disrespect shown toward Lord Shiva.

Unable to bear the insult of her husband, she ultimately gave up her physical body through Yogic Fire at the Yajna.

This incident became one of the most significant episodes associated with the story of Lord Shiva and Mata Sati.

When Lord Shiva came to know about Sati's death, he was overwhelmed with grief and anger. The subsequent destruction of Daksha's Yajna is an important part of the traditional mythology.

The story represents devotion, sacrifice, dignity and the immense power of the Divine Feminine.

Mata Sati Is Reborn as Maa Shailputri

After giving up her body, Mata Sati was reborn as the daughter of King Himalaya, the King of Mountains.

Because she was born as the daughter of the mountain, she came to be known as Shailputri.

In this birth, she was also known as Parvati and Hemavati. She later reunited with Lord Shiva and became his wife once again.

Thus, the journey from Sati to Shailputri and then Parvati represents the eternal nature of divine feminine energy.

The form of Shakti may change, but divine power continues to exist and manifest according to time and circumstances.

Divine Form of Maa Shailputri

Maa Shailputri is depicted as a peaceful, radiant and divine form of Goddess Durga.

She rides a bull (Vrishabha) and carries a Trishul in one hand and a lotus flower in the other.

Her form is traditionally associated with several symbolic meanings:

Bull: Strength, stability and righteousness
Trishul: Divine power, protection and destruction of negativity
Lotus: Purity, devotion and spiritual consciousness
Crescent Moon: Peace and mental balance

Her peaceful form inspires devotees to cultivate strength, patience, stability and determination.

Maa Shailputri and the Muladhara Chakra

Maa Shailputri is traditionally associated with the Muladhara Chakra, also known as the root chakra.

In yogic traditions, the Muladhara Chakra is considered the foundation of the body's energy system. It is associated with stability, grounding, security and inner strength.

Therefore, the worship of Maa Shailputri on the first day of Navratri is regarded as the beginning of the spiritual journey.

It teaches an important spiritual lesson: before progressing toward higher spiritual awareness, one must first establish a strong foundation.

Planet Associated with Maa Shailputri

According to religious traditions, the Moon is associated with Maa Shailputri.

The Moon is traditionally connected with the mind, emotions and mental peace.

Devotees worship Maa Shailputri and chant her mantras on the first day of Navratri with the belief that her blessings help promote mental peace, emotional stability and inner balance.

Maa Shailputri Puja Vidhi at Home

Devotees can worship Maa Shailputri at home on the first day of Navratri with devotion and according to their family traditions.

Before beginning the puja, clean the worship area and take a bath before starting the rituals.

Step-by-Step Maa Shailputri Puja Vidhi

1. Clean the Puja Area

Clean the puja area and place an image or idol of Maa Durga or Maa Shailputri on a clean platform.

2. Sow Barley Seeds

Place soil in a suitable earthen pot and sow barley seeds. Growing barley during Navratri is considered an auspicious tradition.

3. Perform Kalash Sthapana

Prepare the Kalash according to your family tradition. Water, betel nut, rice grains and a coin may be placed inside the Kalash, followed by a coconut on top.

4. Invoke Maa Shailputri

Meditate upon Maa Shailputri and respectfully invoke her divine presence while chanting her mantra.

5. Light a Diya and Incense

Light a ghee lamp and offer incense before the Goddess.

6. Offer Puja Items

Offer flowers, rice grains, roli, kumkum, fruits, sweets and other traditional offerings to Maa Shailputri.

7. Recite the Mantra and Story

Chant Maa Shailputri's mantra and read or listen to her mythological story.

8. Perform Aarti

Complete the worship by performing the Goddess's Aarti and praying for the happiness, peace and prosperity of the family.

Maa Shailputri Mantra

The following mantra is traditionally chanted during the worship of Maa Shailputri:

॥ Om Devi Shailputryai Namah ॥

Devotees chant this mantra with devotion and pray to Maa Shailputri for peace, strength, wisdom and spiritual progress.

Maa Shailputri Beej Mantra

॥ Om Shaam Shaum Shailputryai Namah ॥

Devotees may chant this mantra according to their spiritual tradition and personal faith.

Maa Shailputri Prayer

Vande Vanchhita Labhaya Chandrardha Krita Shekharam,Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailputrim Yashasvinim॥

This prayer is recited while meditating upon the divine form of Maa Shailputri and seeking her blessings.

Maa Shailputri Stuti

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailputri Rupena Samsthita,Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

Devotees may recite this Stuti with devotion during Navratri worship.

Maa Shailputri Dhyan Mantra

Vande Vanchhita Labhaya Chandrardha Krita Shekharam,Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailputrim Yashasvinim॥

Purnendu Nibham Gauri Muladhara Sthitam Pratham Durga Trinetram,Patambara Paridhanam Ratna Kirita Namalankara Bhushitam॥

Praphulla Vadanam Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Tung Kucham,Kamaniyam Lavanyam Smeramukhim Kshinamadhyam Nitambinim॥

Devotees may recite these verses according to their tradition and spiritual practice.

What Should Be Offered to Maa Shailputri?

Devotees may offer the following items to Maa Shailputri according to their family traditions:

Flowers
Akshat (rice grains)
Roli and Kumkum
Fruits
Sweets
Coconut
Incense
Diya
Naivedya

Above all, faith and devotion are considered the most important aspects of worship.

Importance of Maa Shailputri Puja

Maa Shailputri worship is considered the first step of the spiritual journey of Navratri.

Devotees pray to her for stability, courage, positivity and inner strength.

According to religious beliefs, worshipping Maa Shailputri may inspire devotees to seek:

Mental peace
Inner strength
Determination
Positive energy
Family harmony
Spiritual growth

Her story also teaches that difficult circumstances should not weaken our faith and determination.

Navratri First Day Vrat

Devotees who observe the Navratri fast may follow fruit-based or sattvic food according to their faith, tradition and health.

During the fast, devotees focus on devotion, self-discipline, prayer and positive thoughts.

Those who have medical conditions or health-related restrictions should prioritize appropriate dietary guidance rather than fasting solely for religious reasons. Devotion and prayer can be observed without fasting as well.

Lessons We Learn from Maa Shailputri

The story of Maa Shailputri gives devotees several important life lessons:

We should protect our self-respect and values.
Faith and determination are important during difficult times.
A strong foundation is essential for spiritual growth.
Life can offer new beginnings even after difficult experiences.
Divine energy can manifest in different forms.
Strength and devotion can help us face challenging circumstances.

Spiritual Message of Maa Shailputri

The first day of Navratri marks the beginning of a nine-day spiritual journey.

Maa Shailputri represents the foundation of Shakti. Her connection with the Muladhara Chakra symbolizes stability and grounding.

Her story reminds us that before moving toward higher spiritual goals, we must strengthen our inner foundation.

The journey from Mata Sati to Maa Shailputri also represents the eternal nature of divine feminine energy.

Conclusion

Maa Shailputri is the first form of Goddess Durga among the Navdurga and is worshipped on the first day of Navratri.

She was born as the daughter of King Himalaya, which is why she is known as Shailputri—the daughter of the mountain.

Her story begins with her previous birth as Mata Sati, her marriage to Lord Shiva, the incident at Daksha's Yajna, her sacrifice through Yogic Fire and her subsequent rebirth as the daughter of Himalaya.

Her divine form represents strength, devotion, purity, stability and determination.

The worship of Maa Shailputri on the first day of Navratri reminds devotees to begin their spiritual journey with a strong foundation, pure intentions and unwavering faith.

May Maa Shailputri bless everyone with strength, peace, courage, happiness and positive energy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maa Shailputri

1. Which Goddess is worshipped on the first day of Navratri?

Maa Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga among the Navdurga, is worshipped on the first day of Navratri.

2. Who is Maa Shailputri?

Maa Shailputri is considered the first form of Goddess Durga. She is traditionally described as the daughter of Himalaya, the King of Mountains.

3. What was Maa Shailputri's previous birth?

According to Hindu mythology, Maa Shailputri was Mata Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, in her previous birth.

4. Why did Mata Sati give up her body?

Mata Sati gave up her physical body through Yogic Fire after being deeply hurt by the disrespect shown toward Lord Shiva at her father Daksha's Yajna.

5. What is the vehicle of Maa Shailputri?

Maa Shailputri rides a bull (Vrishabha).

6. What does Maa Shailputri hold in her hands?

She is traditionally depicted holding a Trishul in one hand and a lotus flower in the other.

7. What is the mantra of Maa Shailputri?

The commonly recited mantra is: