Navratri Day 1: Worship Maa Shailputri
The first day of Navratri
9 nights begin with Maa Shailputri, the first form of Durga. Devotees seek her blessings for strength, stability & devotion needed to begin a spiritual journey.
Why is she called Shailputri?
Her name combines Shaila, meaning mountain, & Putri, meaning daughter. Born of the mountains, she embodies firmness & resilience.
All about her divine appearance
The crescent moon symbolizes the Moon. Her trident represents divine power, lotus signifies purity, and Nandi reflects strength and steadfastness.
What colour to wear on Day 1?
Following the 2026 Navratri colour calendar? Day 1 is assigned orange, the colour of enthusiasm & energy. White also remains a meaningful devotional choice.
The puja samagri checklist
Prepare your puja essentials before beginning: a picture or idol of Maa Shailputri, a diya, incense, flowers, kumkum, rice, water and a clean puja thali.
How to worship Maa Shailputri?
Prepare the puja space, light a diya, offer flowers and pray to Maa Shailputri with a calm mind and sincere devotion. Conclude with aarti.
Ghatasthapana: A ritual to start
Ghatasthapana marks the formal beginning of Navratri. A kalash, coconut, mango leaves & barley seeds are commonly associated with this ritual.
The mantra to chant
"Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah". Repeat the mantra with concentration. Let each repetition become a moment to pause, find inner steadiness & seek her blessings.
What bhog should you offer?
Pure cow`s ghee is a traditional offering associated with Maa Shailputri. Keep a small bowl of ghee & fresh fruit according to your family`s custom.
Why is ghee especially significant?
For Shailputri, ghee holds a special place as offering. Some devotional traditions treat this as a matter of faith, not a guaranteed health benefit.
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