Mangaluru: The vibrant festival of Navratri, spanning nine nights, is a significant celebration for followers of Maa Durga, the revered Adi Shakti. Among the various Navratris observed by Hindus, Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri stand out due to their grandeur. Currently, the focus is on Shardiya Navratri, which takes place during the autumn season in the lunar month of Ashwin.
Shardiya Navratri holds great importance as it commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, earning her the title of Mahishasura Mardini. This year, the festivities will unfold from October 15 to October 23, with each day dedicated to one of the nine forms of Maa Durga, known as Navdurgas. The celebrations commence with Ghatasthapana and culminate with Maha Navami.
Day 1 of Navratri is devoted to Mata Shailputri, the divine daughter of the Himalayas. It symbolizes new beginnings and is marked by heartfelt worship. Devotees seek her blessings for purity, strength, and prosperity in their lives. The day’s rituals, including puja vidhi, mantras, and offerings, set the tone for the nine-day festivity. This period fosters deep devotion, introspection, and unity among people, as they invoke the divine feminine energy to bring positivity and light into their lives.
Mata Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, embodies purity and power. The term ‘Shail’ translates to ‘mountain,’ and ‘Putri’ means ‘daughter.’ She is believed to be the reincarnation of Goddess Sati, King Daksha’s daughter. Worshipping Mata Shailputri holds significance as it is a way to seek strength and purity in one’s life.
During the puja, devotees offer various blog items to express their devotion and gratitude. These offerings include pure milk, symbolizing purity; honey, representing sweetness and happy life; ghee, signifying prosperity and abundance; coconut, denoting success and prosperity; and a mix of seasonal fruits, symbolizing good health. This heartfelt worship unites devotees in their shared reverence for the Goddess.
