Chaitra Navratri Day 1: Worship Mata Shailputri on the First Day of Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day festival Hindus celebrate with great spirit and devotion. It is observed twice a year. The word Navratri means “nine nights” in Sanskrit, and during this period, devotees fast, meditate, and perform various rituals and ceremonies to honour the goddess. So, how do people celebrate the 1st day of this glorious festival? Let us have a look. 

Chaitra Navratri Day 1 2024: Date, time & Shubh muhurat

Chaitra Navratri first day, 2024, will be Tuesday, April 9th. The auspicious time or shubh muhurat for Ghatasthapana, the most significant ritual of the first day of Chaitra Navratri, is from 06:02 AM to 10:16 AM.

Devotees usually perform the Ghatasthapana ritual during the Prathama tithi or the first day of the lunar month. It is essential to perform the Ghatasthapana ritual during the shubh muhurat to seek the blessings of the goddess Durga and to ensure the success and prosperity of the Navratri celebrations.

Chaitra Navratri Day 1: The Story of Goddess Shailputri 

The first day of Chaitra Navratri witnesses the worship of the first Navratri mata, goddess Shailputri. She is the first form or avatar of Goddess Durga. She is also known as Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The name Shailaputri means the one who is the daughter of the mountains.

According to the legend, Sati was the daughter of King Daksha, a proud and arrogant king. Despite his daughter’s love for Lord Shiva, Daksha did not approve of the match and disrespected Lord Shiva at a grand yagna that he organized. Sati is deeply hurt by her father’s disrespect towards her husband.

Thus, she decided to end her life by sacrificing herself in the yagna fire. She was then born in the form of Parvati to the King and Queen of Himalayas, Himavan and Menavati. Thus, she had the name Shailputri, “The Daughter of the Mountains”. 

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Day 2: Worship Mata Brahmacharini on the second day of Chaitra Navratri

How to worship Maa Shailputri? 

Goddess Shailputri puja (worship) takes place in the following manner:

• Cleanse yourself: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before beginning the puja. Cleanse the puja area and decorate it with flowers, incense sticks, and other decorations.
• Set up the idol or picture of Maa Shailputri: Place the idol or picture of Maa Shailputri in the puja area, and offer flowers and other offerings to the goddess.
• Light a diya (lamp): Light a diya or lamp in front of the goddess to signify the presence of divine energy.
• Offer prayers: Offer prayers to Maa Shailputri by chanting her mantras and singing her aarti. The mantra for Maa Shailputri is “Om Devi Shailputryai Namah.” Listening to “Shaiputri mata ki vrat katha”, or the story of maa Shailputri is an integral part of the ritual. 
• Offer bhog (food offering): Offer bhog or food offerings to the goddess, including fruits, sweets, and other vegetarian food items.
• Seek blessings: Seek the blessings of Maa Shailputri by praying for good health, happiness, and success in your personal and professional life.
• Conclude the puja: Conclude the puja by performing the aarti and offering flowers to the goddess. Distribute the prasad (offering) to family members and friends.

Devotees may perform this puja individually or in a group to bring positive energy and blessings to those who participate.

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Day 3: Worship Mata Chandraghanta on The Third Day Of Navratri

Shailputri Mata Mantra 

The mantra of Maa Shailputri is “Om Devi Shailputryai Namah”. People chant this powerful mantra to seek the blessings of Maa Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga. Chanting this mantra with devotion and faith helps awaken the Kundalini Shakti, the divine energy within us. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2023: Significance, Date, Muhurat And Rituals

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