People worship Goddess Shailaputri on the First Day of Navratri and the First day of the Hindu New Year. This year Chaitra Navratri is occurring on the 9th of April of 2024 and worshiping her can provide stability in your life. But do you know how? Read the full article to know. 

Goddess Shailputri is one of the manifestations of Navdurga who is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. It is the famous Hindu Festival that lasts 9 Nights and 10 Days. This is why the festival derives its name as Navratri (festival of Nine Nights).

During these nine days, people worship nine forms of Goddess Durga each day while the tenth day is celebrated as Vijay Dashmi. 

Image: Goddess Shailputri

Who is Goddess Shailaputri?

The name Shailaputri refers to combining two Sanskrit Words  Shaila and Putri. Shaila refers to the 'Mountain' while Putri is the Sanskrit word for 'Daughter'. So, combining these two words yields the meaning – One Who is the Daughter of Mountain. 

In literary works, It is told that Goddess Shailaputri is the daughter of the Mountain king Himavan and Menavati. King Himavan is the Lord of Himalya referred to as Parvat Raj Himalaya, sometimes. Therefore, being the daughter of King Himavan, she derives her name as Shailaputri. 

Goddess Shailaputri Depiction 

Her Depiction includes Nandi, Crescent Moon, Trident, and, Lotus. She mounts on Nandi and has a Crescent Moon (quarter moon) on her forehead. She holds a Trident (Trishul) in her left hand and has a Lotus in her right (See the image above).

The Significance of Various Iconographies 

1. Nandi 

Goddess Shailaputri mounts on Nandi who in Hindu belief is considered the Sacred Bull and the Main vehicle of Lord Shiva. He is the inseparable companion of Lord Shiva and keeps away unnecessary disturbance or hindrance coming out to Lord Shiva.

Being The Guardian Deity of Kailasha and the Leader of Ganas, he protects Kailasha (the abode of Lord Shiva) and door-keeps every obstacle.

It is a common practice to place the sculpture of Nandi in every Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sculpture faces Lord Shiva or Shivlinga in the Garbhgriha in the sitting or meditative posture. 

Image: Lord Nandi Facing Shiva

2. The Crescent Moon 

Mother Shailaputri wears a Crescent Moon on her forehead which is the shape of a moon in the first quarter of the lunar phase. A crescent moon can be the stage in the wax or wane phase of the lunar cycle. 

Lord Shiva is another deity who possesses a crescent moon on his head. Therefore, his other name is Chandrashekhar (One who possesses Moon on his head).

The Crescent Moon symbolizes the time and duration which ultimately reflects her qualities of controlling time and being the Master of the Time. 

3. The Trident or Trishul 

Goddess Shailaputri holds Trishul in her left hand which is a trident-like weapon that has the power to destroy evil forces. The three points of it are associated with the three fundamental aspects of the universe – Creation, Preservation, and Destruction.

It is also the Primary Weapon of Lord Shiva. This is the reason that he enjoys the status of 'The Destroyer of the Universe'. 

4. The Lotus Flower 

Mother Shailaputri holds Lotus flower in her right hand which signifies her purity and spiritual awakening. She is the purest form of Goddess Parvati. It gives us the message to rise above the challenges and difficulties of life just as the Lotus rises above the murky water of the pond.

The Flower is sacred and auspicious that's why It is the favorite flower of many Hindu Deities. Therefore, offering lotus to such deities makes them pleased. 

It is the favorite flower of Goddess Lakshmi.  Lord Vishnu is described as Kamal Nayan (Lotus Eyed) and Goddess Saraswati is depicted as mounted on a White Lotus. Lord Brahma is also shown sitting on Lotus. Hence, the flower has a very significance in Hinduism. 

Temples Dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri In India 

Temples of Goddess Shailaputri are located in two different places in India - one in Varanasi (the religious capital of India) and another one in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. 

1. Shailaputri Durga Temple, Varanasi 

Shailaputri Durga Temple in Varanasi is located at Marhia Ghat in the Shaileswar Temple. The main Deity is Maa Shailaputri at Shailaputri Durga Temple, Varanasi.

2. Aparneshwar Temple of Mantalai, Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir 

Aparneshwar Temple of Mantalai is the place where goddess Parvati is believed to be born and got married. The temple is located near the Mantalai Lake in Udhampur in the Indian Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir.

Image: Aparneshwar Temple of Mantalai, Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir

3. The Shailaputri Shrine, Jammu & Kashmir 

The Shailaputri Shrine at Jammu & Kashmir is located amidst a grove of chinars (Chinar is a tree grown in the Eastern Himalayas) slightly away from the main town of Baramulla. The Shrine is situated on the bank of the Vitasta River (Presently known as Jhelum).

But, it is very saddening to say that the holy shrine of Shailaputri Temple in Kashmir has been burnt out completely after the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990. The ashed Chinar Tree reveals the story of devastation made with the temple. The main idol had been damaged and the premises had been vandalized. However, efforts have been made to rebuild the temple in 1994. 

Why Should We Worship Goddess Shailaputri?

The Goddess Shailaputri is the purest form of Goddess Parvati. Therefore, She finds its correlation with Parvat (the Sanskrit word for Mountain) and hence, worshipping her can provide strength and stability in life like a mountain.

Her other names such as Shailaja, Haimavathi, Girija, and Girijaputri reflect the same characteristics to provide stability in your life. This is the reason, we should worship Goddess Shailaputri on the First Day of Navratri. 

Key Points to Remember

a. Navratri is the Hindu Festival that comes two times a year, Majorly - Chaitra Navratri and Sharadiya Navratri.

b. This year, Chaitra Navratri is beginning on 9th April, just after the Amavsya, falling on April 8, 2024.

c. People worship Goddess Shailaputri (the purest form of Goddess Parvati) On the first day of Navratri.

d. Worshiping Goddess Shailaputri can provide stability in life.

e. Her Other names include Girija, Shailaja, Girijaputri,  Haimavathi, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we must understand the divine presence of Goddess Shailputri on the inaugural day of Navratri. Worshipping her is not just a ritualistic practice but to seek her blessing for strength and stability in life.