Shailaputri Puja Vidhi (शैलपुत्री पूजा विधि)
Shailaputri Devi in Navratri is the first form of Goddess Durga worshiped during Navratri. She is known as the daughter of the mountains (Shaila means mountains, and Putri means daughter). According to the Upanishads, Goddess Shailaputri humbled Indra and the other gods, who bowed before her and prayed, “Indeed, you are Shakti. We – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – derive our power solely from you.” This acknowledgment emphasizes Shailaputri as a manifestation of the combined strength of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
She is also revered as the Goddess of the Muladhara (Root) chakra. Awakening this chakra marks the beginning of one's spiritual journey, leading to self-realization and the discovery of their life’s purpose. Below is the detailed Shailaputri Puja Vidhi (ritual process) to be followed on the first day of Navratri:
Śailaputrī Devī, the first form of Goddess Durga, is depicted riding a bull (Nandi) while holding a trident in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left hand. A half or quarter-moon (ardha-chandra) adorns her forehead, sitting upon her crown. Each element of her depiction carries profound symbolic meaning:
Nandi (Bull): Nandi is always shown gazing intently at Lord Shiva, symbolizing unwavering focus on God. In the same way, Śailaputrī keeps her attention fixed on the Divine. The bull represents determination, an essential quality at the beginning of one's spiritual journey. Just as Nandi’s gaze never wavers from Shiva, a devotee’s focus should remain on the path to God.
Trident (Trishul): The trident signifies the past, present, and future—qualities associated with the mind’s awareness. It also represents the three gunas (modes of nature): sattva (creation), rajas (maintenance), and tamas (destruction). Śailaputrī uses the trident to protect her devotees, symbolizing how she helps her children transcend time and the play of the gunas, guiding them toward spiritual liberation.
Lotus Flower: The lotus, only partially bloomed in her hand, symbolizes the awakening of spiritual energy, particularly the kundalini. It represents peace, purity, and spiritual growth. Like the lotus that rises unstained from muddy waters, a devotee who seeks Śailaputrī's blessings remains pure and detached from worldly distractions (maya) and material desires. This allows them to focus on their spiritual evolution.
Half/Quarter-Moon (Ardha-Chandra): The moon on Śailaputrī's forehead represents the infinity of nature and the contentment that arises from union with the infinite consciousness, symbolized by the Bindu (a point of ultimate awareness). It signifies balance and serenity in the spiritual path.
Together, these symbols illustrate how Śailaputrī Devi guides her devotees toward spiritual awakening, purity, and ultimate connection with the Divine.
Step 1: Preparation for the Puja
- Clean the Puja Room: Start by thoroughly cleaning the place where you intend to perform the puja. Decorate the area with fresh flowers and rangoli if possible.
- Install the Kalash (कलश स्थापना): On the first day of Navratri, perform Kalash Sthapana. The Kalash symbolizes the divine and sacred presence of Goddess Shakti. Place a kalash filled with clean water, mango leaves, and coconut on a mound of rice.
- Set up the Idol or Picture of Shailaputri: Place the idol or image of Goddess Shailaputri on a clean cloth or small platform in the puja area.
Step 2: Puja Samagri (पूजा सामग्री)
- Idol or picture of Goddess Shailaputri.
- Kalash (कलश), Coconut, Mango leaves.
- Flowers (फूल), especially red hibiscus or lotus.
- Fruits and sweets for bhog (offerings).
- Akshat (अक्षत) (unbroken rice), Kumkum (vermilion), Roli (red powder).
- Incense sticks (अगरबत्ती), Ghee lamp (दीपक).
- Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar).
Step 3: Puja Vidhi
Dhyana (ध्यान):Sit in a calm posture and meditate on Goddess Shailaputri. Visualize her divine form, which rides a bull, holds a trident in one hand and a lotus flower in the other. Recite the following mantra:
वृषारूढ़ां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥ वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
Kalash Sthapana (कलश स्थापना):
- Perform the Kalash installation by sprinkling holy water on the Kalash. Place a coconut with mango leaves around the neck of the Kalash. Place it near the idol of the Goddess.
Invocation (आवाहन):
- Invoke the goddess by chanting
- ॐ शैलपुत्र्यै नमः।
Offer Akshat (अक्षत) and Flowers:
- Offer Akshat (rice) and flowers to the goddess with devotion. Use red or pink flowers, as they are dear to Goddess Shailaputri.
Panchopchar Puja (पञ्चोपचार पूजा):
- Dhupa (धूप): Light incense sticks and wave them in front of the goddess while chanting mantras.
- Deepa (दीप): Light a ghee lamp and offer it to the goddess.
- Naivedya (नैवेद्य): Offer sweets, fruits, and panchamrit as prasad (bhog).
- Kumkum and Akshat: Apply kumkum and offer unbroken rice (Akshat) to the goddess.
Recite Durga Saptashati or Shailaputri Stotra:
- Recite the Durga Saptashati or specific mantras dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri, such as
- ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
- Chant this mantra 108 times with full concentration and devotion.
Aarti (आरती):
- Perform the aarti by waving a ghee lamp in front of the goddess in a circular motion while singing Durga aarti or Shailaputri aarti. Ring bells and clap hands to please the goddess.
Prasad Distribution:
- Once the puja is complete, distribute the prasad (offered sweets and fruits) to everyone present.
- After the completion of the puja, bow your head and seek the blessings of Goddess Shailaputri for health, wealth, and prosperity.
- Namaskar (नमस्कार): End the puja with folded hands, expressing your gratitude to the goddess.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe fasting on this day, consuming only fruits and water throughout the day.
- Chanting: Recite mantras dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri, like "Om Shailaputri Devi Namah" and perform meditation to connect with the divine energy.
