The auspicious Hindu festival of Navratri begins on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, Chaitra Navratri occurs in March or April. The Hindu New Year officially begins at this time. Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations, Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmcharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri, are worshipped during the festival. Moreover, Ram Navami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Ram, is observed on the final day of Chaitra Navratri.

Which Goddess Is Worshipped?

On the first day of the nine-day-long festival, Maa Shailputri, known to be a form of Parvati and a reincarnation of Sati, is worshipped by people. The name Shailputri is formed with two words Shail(mountain) + Putri (daughter) which means daughter of the mountains.

Maa Shailputri is one of the Navadurgas. After self-immolation as Goddess SATI, Goddess Parvati took birth as the daughter of Lord Himalaya and was known as Maa Shailputri(Hemavati or Parvati). The goddess rides a bull and carries a Trishul in the right hand and a lotus flower in the left hand. Same as her previous birth as goddess Sati. Shailputri married Lord Shiva.

Significance of Day 1

The Moon, the source of all good fortune and prosperity, is governed by Goddess Shailputri. Worshipping this manifestation of Adi Shakti helps in overcoming the negative effects of the Moon. Goddess Shailputri’s color is white, it stands for innocence, serenity, purity, and calmness.

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri: 5 Easy Recipes You Should Definitely Try

Puja Vidhi and Samagri

The day begins with the ritual of Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana. A pot is installed at a sanctified place at home and a diya is enlightened for nine days continuously. It is one of the significant rituals during Navratri. Mud and navadhanya seeds(nine grains which are Wheat, Paddy, Pigeon pea, Mung bean, Chickpea, Cowpea, Sesame seeds, Black gram, and Horse gram)  are placed in a pan to which water is added. A Kalash filled with Ganga Jal, some coins, supari, and akshat (raw rice and turmeric powder) is placed in the place of worship. Five mango leaves are placed around the Kalash and covered with coconut. 

Chaitra Navratri Day 1 Mantra

Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah. (ॐ देवि शैलपुत्र्यै नमः।)

 

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita ( या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता) 

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah (नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः।)

 

Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam (वन्दे वंचितालभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखरम्)

Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim (वृषारुधम शुलाधरं शैलपुत्रिम यशस्विनीम्)