Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day festival that commences with the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, kicks off on April 9 this year. It coincides with other significant Indian festivals like Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga and her nine divine incarnations.
On the first day, April 9, Hindu devotees pay homage to Maa Shailputri, the first avatar of Goddess Durga. They perform the essential ritual of Ghatasthapana, marking the beginning of the festival. Here's a breakdown of the day's significance and rituals:
Who is Maa Shailputri?
Maa Shailputri, revered as the provider of prosperity and all fortunes, is one of the nine divine avatars of Goddess Durga. She symbolizes purity, innocence, peace, and calmness. According to mythology, she is the daughter of the mountain (Shail) and rides a bull, known as Vrisharudha. With a trishul (trident) in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left, she embodies grace and strength.
Date, Timing, and Ghatasthapana Muhurat:
- The auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurat for April 9 is from 6:02 am to 10:16 am, with the Abhijit Muhurat from 11:57 am to 12:48 pm.
- The Pratipada Tithi begins on April 8 at 11:50 pm and ends on April 9 at 8:30 pm.
- Vaidhrti Yog starts on April 8 at 6:14 pm and ends on April 9 at 2:18 pm.
- Chandra Darshan's timing is from 6:44 pm to 7:29 pm.
Colour, Puja Vidhi, Samagri, and Rituals:
- Devotees wear white attire on this day, signifying purity and devotion.
- They wake up early, take a bath, and seek blessings from Maa Shailputri and Adi Shakti.
- The Ghatasthapana ritual involves installing a sanctified pot (kalash) at home, filled with water and adorned with coins, supari, and akshat (raw rice and turmeric powder).
- Five mango leaves are placed around the kalash, which is covered with a coconut.
- Offerings including oil lamps, incense sticks, flowers, fruits, sweets, and a special bhog of Desi Ghee are made to Maa Shailputri.
Puja Mantra, Prathana, Stuti, and Stotra:
Devotees chant various mantras and prayers to invoke the blessings of Maa Shailputri:
1) Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah
2) Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam...
3) Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita...
4) Prathama Durga Tvamhi Bhavasagarah Taranim...
As devotees embark on this auspicious journey, they seek the divine blessings of Maa Shailputri for prosperity, peace, and spiritual awakening.