Navaratri, or Navratri, is a huge festival in India that celebrates the power of the feminine divine, known as Nav Durga or Shakti. It lasts for nine nights, hence the name. This festival is all about honoring the nine forms of the Mother Divine, each representing different qualities like strength, compassion, and power.
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The Nine Forms of Nav Durgas as Navratri :
During Navaratri, we worship nine different forms of Goddess Durga. These forms include Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Khushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri. Each form has its own significance and qualities.
The Story of Mata Shailputri :
Let’s take a closer look at Mata Shailputri, who is worshipped on the first day of Navaratri. She is the daughter of the Himalayan king and is also known as Devi Parvati or Sati Bhavani. Before she was born as Shailputri, she was known as Goddess Sati. Sati wanted to marry Lord Shiva, but her father, King Daksha, didn’t approve. He even organized a big ceremony, called a Yagna, and purposely didn’t invite Sati and Lord Shiva.
Sati still went to the Yagna, despite not being invited, but King Daksha insulted Lord Shiva in front of everyone. Unable to bear the disrespect towards her husband, Sati transformed into her fierce form, Adi Shakti, and sacrificed herself in the Yagna fire. This angered Lord Shiva, who then created Veerbhadra, a fierce warrior, to destroy Daksha’s Yagna. Eventually, with the intervention of Lord Vishnu, the situation was resolved, but Sati’s body was cut into pieces, which fell on different parts of the earth.
One of these pieces fell in the Himalayas and was reborn as Mata Shailputri. She symbolizes the Mooladhara Chakra, the starting point of the spiritual journey.
Appearance of Maa Shailputri
Maa Shailputri is an embodiment of Shakti. She has a serene face and pleasant aura. She rides a bull (Nandi), has crescent Moon on her forehead and is holding a Trident in her right hand and lotus in her left hand.
Goddess of Mooladhara Chakra
Maa Shailputri symbolizes the Mooladhara Chakra or root chakra – the ultimate gateway to spiritual awakening. The first day of Navaratri symbolizes the beginning of the spiritual journey of an ardent devotee. Devi Shailputri being Mooladhara shakti teaches lessons to her devotees by awakening his or her consciousness by energizing the Mooladhara Chakra. Many sages and gurus observe fast during this day to channelize their Mooladhar chakra and move gradually upwards in spiritual realm. The spiritual journey starts all the way from Mooladhar Chakra towards Crown Chakra.
Worshipping Mata Shailputri on navratri:
On the first day of Navaratri, we worship Mata Shailputri. This day is also known as Ghatasthapana. Worshipping her brings peace, harmony, and prosperity. Many people also observe fasting on this day to awaken their consciousness and start their spiritual journey.
Mantras and Prayers:
During Navaratri, we chant mantras and prayers dedicated to Mata Shailputri. These prayers help us connect with her divine energy and seek her blessings for a happy and prosperous life.
Navaratri is not just a festival; it’s a time to connect with the divine feminine energy and embark on a spiritual journey. Mata Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, teaches us the importance of strength, courage, and devotion. As we celebrate Navaratri, let’s remember the significance of each form of the Mother Divine and seek her blessings for a fulfilling life.
Shailputri Mantra:
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah॥
Shailputri Prarthana:
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim॥
Stuti:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Dhyana:
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
पूणेन्दु निभाम् गौरी मूलाधार स्थिताम् प्रथम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
पटाम्बर परिधानां रत्नाकिरीटा नामालंकार भूषिता॥
प्रफुल्ल वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां स्नेमुखी क्षीणमध्यां नितम्बनीम्॥
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim॥
Punendu Nibham Gauri Muladhara Sthitam Prathama Durga Trinetram।
Patambara Paridhanam Ratnakirita Namalankara Bhushita॥
Praphulla Vandana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham।
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Snemukhi Kshinamadhyam Nitambanim॥
Shailputri Stotra:
प्रथम दुर्गा त्वंहि भवसागरः तारणीम्।
धन ऐश्वर्य दायिनी शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
त्रिलोजननी त्वंहि परमानन्द प्रदीयमान्।
सौभाग्यरोग्य दायिनी शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
चराचरेश्वरी त्वंहि महामोह विनाशिनीं।
मुक्ति भुक्ति दायिनीं शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
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॥
Kavacha:
ॐकारः में शिरः पातु मूलाधार निवासिनी।
हींकारः पातु ललाटे बीजरूपा महेश्वरी॥
श्रींकार पातु वदने लावण्या महेश्वरी।
हुंकार पातु हृदयम् तारिणी शक्ति स्वघृत।
फट्कार पातु सर्वाङ्गे सर्व सिद्धि फलप्रदा॥
Omkarah Mein Shirah Patu Muladhara Nivasini।
Himkarah Patu Lalate Bijarupa Maheshwari॥
Shrimkara Patu Vadane Lavanya Maheshwari।
Humkara Patu Hridayam Tarini Shakti Swaghrita।
Phatkara Patu Sarvange Sarva Siddhi Phalaprada॥
Shailputri Aarti
शैलपुत्री माँ बैल असवार। करें देवता जय जय कार॥
शिव-शंकर की प्रिय भवानी। तेरी महिमा किसी ने न जानी॥
पार्वती तू उमा कहलावें। जो तुझे सुमिरे सो सुख पावें॥
रिद्धि सिद्धि परवान करें तू। दया करें धनवान करें तू॥
सोमवार को शिव संग प्यारी। आरती जिसने तेरी उतारी॥
उसकी सगरी आस पुजा दो। सगरे दुःख तकलीफ मिटा दो॥
घी का सुन्दर दीप जला के। गोला गरी का भोग लगा के॥
श्रद्धा भाव से मन्त्र जपायें। प्रेम सहित फिर शीश झुकायें॥
जय गिरराज किशोरी अम्बे। शिव मुख चन्द्र चकोरी अम्बे॥
मनोकामना पूर्ण कर दो। चमन सदा सुख सम्पत्ति भर दो॥
The Nine Avatars of Maa Durga and significance of the Navadurga:
Maa Shailputri
After her self-immolation, Goddess Parvati took birth as Lord Himalaya’s daughter. In this form, she was Maa Shailputri. In Sanskrit, Shail means mountain. Hence, Shailputri means the daughter of the mountain. Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri.
Maa Brahmacharini
Maa Parvati took birth at the home of Daksha Prajapati after her Kushamnada form. Goddess Parvati was a great Sati in this avatar, and her unmarried form was worshipped as Goddess Brahmacharini. The Goddess governs Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes. She did great penance to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. During her penance, she spent 1,000 years on a diet of flowers and fruits and another 100 years on leafy vegetables while sleeping on the floor.
Maa Chandraghanta
Goddess Chandraghanta is the married avatar of Maa Parvati. After marrying Lord Shiva, the Goddess adorned her forehead with a half or crescent moon and was known as Maa Chandraghanta. She governs Shukra and is worshipped on the third day of Navratri.
Maa Kushmanda
Goddess Parvati started living inside the Sun’s centre after taking the Siddidatri form so the Sun could release energy to the universe. Maa Kushmanda has the power and capability to live inside the Sun, and the glow and radiance of her body are as luminous as that of the Sun. The Goddess has eight hands and is known as Ashtabhuja Devi.
Maa Skandamata
When Goddess Parvati became Lord Skanda/Lord Kartikeya’s mother, she was known as Maa Skandamata. Devotees who worship this form of Goddess Parvati also get the blessings of Lord Kartikeya. Goddess Skandamata mounts the ferocious lion and carries baby Murugan in her lap. She also sits on the Lotus flower and is known as Goddess Padmasana.
Maa Katyayani
To destroy the demon Mahishasura, Goddess Parvati took the form of Goddess Katyayani. It was the most violent form of Goddess Parvati, also known as Warrior Goddess. Maa Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. According to Drik Panchang, Goddess Parvati was born at the home of sage Katya and due to this, this form of Goddess Parvati is known as Katyayani.
Maa Kalaratri
When Goddess Parvati removed her golden skin to kill the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, she was known as Goddess Kalaratri. She is known as the fiercest form of Goddess Parvati. Maa Kalaratri’s complexion is dark, and she rides on a donkey. She is depicted with four hands – her right hands are in Abhaya and Varada Mudra, and her left hands carry a sword and the deadly iron hook.
Maa Mahagauri
At the age of sixteen, Goddess Shailputri was extremely beautiful and blessed with a fair complexion. Due to this, she was known as Goddess Mahagauri. She governs the planet, Rahu. Due to her fair skin tone, Goddess Mahagauri is compared with the conch, the moon and the white flower of Kunda. She is also known as Shwetambardhara, as she only wears white clothes.
Maa Siddhidatri
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Rudra prayed to the formless Adi-Parashakti – the supreme Goddess of Power – at the universe’s beginning for creation. She appeared in the form of Maa Siddhidatri from the left half of Lord Shiva, after which Lord Shiva got the name Ardha-Narishwar. She is the Goddess who possesses and bestows all types of Siddhis to her devotees.
