Chaitra Navratri 2024 : Day 1 Maa Shailputri, Puja Vidhi and Significance

• 05 Apr 2024
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Chaitra Navratri, also called Spring Navratri, Start the Hindu New Year and welcomes the season of spring. This nine-day festival is a time to worship the nine powerful forms of Durga Maa, the goddess who represents Shakti, or feminine energy. This year, Chaitra Navratri starts on Tuesday, April 9th, and the first day is dedicated to Maa Shailputri. Let's explore why this day is so special, how to perform the puja (worship rituals) for Maa Shailputri, and some helpful tips to make your celebration meaningful.

Why is the First Day of Chaitra Navratri Important?

The first day of Chaitra Navratri is a big deal! It's said to mark the very beginning of creation. According to the Brahma Purana, this is the day when Lord Brahma, with the help of Durga Maa, started building the universe. It's also believed that Lord Vishnu's first avatar, Matsya (the fish), appeared on this day, symbolizing the start of life on Earth.

Maa Shailputri, the first form of Durga Maa worshipped on this day, represents purity and immense power. She rides a white bull, which shows her commitment to righteousness and strength. Worshipping Maa Shailputri on the first day is believed to bring blessings for a happy new year, good health, and inner peace.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Puja for Maa Shailputri. Easy Puja at Home!
 

Here's a simple guide to follow for the puja rituals dedicated to Maa Shailputri on the first day of Navratri:
 

Getting Ready:
 

1. Clean Up and Decorate: Wake up early, take a shower, and put on clean clothes. Clean the area where you'll do the puja and decorate it with a special platform (mandap) made of mango leaves or a red cloth.

2. Welcome Durga Maa: This important ritual, called Ghata Sthapana, invites the presence of Durga Maa. Fill a clean earthen pot (kalash) with water, mango leaves, and a small coconut. Place it on the mandap and cover it with a red cloth.

3. Maa Shailputri's Image: Put a picture or statue of Maa Shailputri near the kalash.

Let's Begin the Puja:
 

1. Setting Your Intention: Light an oil lamp (diya) and burn some incense sticks. Say a sankalp, which is basically a declaration that you're performing the puja with devotion.

2. Panchamrut Offering: Make a special mixture called panchamrut by combining five elements: milk, yogurt, ghee (clarified butter), honey, and sugar. Offer some of this mixture to the kalash and to Maa Shailputri.

3. Gifts for Maa Shailputri: Offer her some flowers, especially white ones like jasmine. You can also give her fruits, sweets like halwa or kheer, and a betel nut.

4. Dressing Up Maa Shailputri: Drape a red cloth on the statue and decorate it with sindoor (vermilion powder), kumkum (red powder), and some jewelry.

5. Chanting for Blessings: Chant this mantra dedicated to Maa Shailputri: "Om Shaam Peem Shumm Shailputriye Namah"

You can also recite Durga Saptashati or other devotional hymns if you'd like.
 

1. Aarti: Perform aarti (offering of light) with a diya and camphor.

2. Prasad (Offering Food): Offer cooked food as prasad to Maa Shailputri. Traditionally, vegetarian food is offered on the first day.

3. Your Special Prayer: End the puja by praying to Maa Shailputri for blessings, inner strength, and a happy new year.

You can Proceed with online puja as well for better results and get rid of your probelms.