The Story of Maa Shailputri - First Form of Goddess Durga - Canvas by Priyank & Khushboo

The Story of Maa Shailputri - First Form of Goddess Durga

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। 
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Maa Shailputri is the first form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the very first day of Navratri. The name “Shailputri” literally means “daughter of the mountain” (Shaila = mountain / Himalaya, Putri = daughter). She is considered an incarnation of Parvati, daughter of Himavat (King of the Himalayas) and Menavati. 

In a previous birth, she was Sati, daughter of Daksha. The story tells that when her father Daksha organized a great yagna (sacrifice), he did not invite her husband Shiva. Though Sati was distressed, she insisted on going, only to face humiliation and disrespect. Unable to bear it, she sacrificed herself by entering the fire. Distraught, Shiva destroyed the yagna, and the gods intervened. In her next birth, Sati was reborn as Himavati’s daughter, in the lap of the Himalayas, and thus came to be called Shailputri. 

As Shailputri, she is often depicted riding the bull Nandi, holding a trident (trishul) in her right hand and a lotus in her left. There is often a crescent moon adorning her forehead. 

Why We Worship Her on Day One of Navratri

Navratri is a festival of nine nights dedicated to Navadurgas, the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day corresponds to a different form and holds its own spiritual meaning. The first day is dedicated to Shailputri, because she represents the very foundation—the root, the beginning, the purity from which the rest will grow. 

Shailputri is associated with the Muladhara chakra (root energy center). Her worship is believed to awaken the spiritual potential at that base level: grounding, stability, inner strength, and purity. 

On this day, devotees perform Ghatasthapana (Kalash establishment) and invoke her blessings so that the nine days of Navratri proceed with her support. 

What We Can Learn from Maa Shailputri

  • Begin at the root
    Just as she is the first form, her presence teaches us that all growth, spiritual or personal, begins with a firm foundation. Facing challenges without a stable root can lead to imbalance.
  • Purity & devotion
    She embodies simplicity, clarity, and purity. Her worship encourages us to approach our goals (spiritual or worldly) with sincerity and focus.
  • Balance of strength and gentleness
    In her iconography, she holds both the lotus (beauty, grace) and the trident (power). This duality reminds us we can be gentle yet strong.
  • Faith in cyclical rebirth
    Her life story shows rebirth, transformation, and continuity. Even after trials and sorrow, the soul can reemerge stronger.
  • Grounding & stability
    Her vehicle is the bull, a symbol of groundedness and steady power. Her energy supports us when we feel unstable or adrift.

Significance & Importance

  • Spiritual initiation: For devotees who observe Navratri, beginning with Shailputri’s worship helps orient one’s entire nine-day sadhana (practice).
  • Blessing for fulfillment: It is believed that worship of Shailputri can grant devotees their heartfelt desires, especially when done with devotion and discipline. 
  • Protection & purity: Because she is associated with the earth element and root chakra, her grace is seen as protection from lower impulses and anchoring the spirit.
  • Cultural continuity: Her story binds mythology, devotion, art, symbolism, and ritual together. She remains a source of inspiration for devotees, artists, and storytellers alike.

How We Celebrate & Rituals

  • Ghatasthapana / Kalash Sthapana: The first ritual of Navratri, one begins the festival by installing a sacred pot (kalash) symbolizing the divine presence.
  • Mantras / Stotras & Japa: Chanting her name (ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः) and reciting her stotrams is common—many do 108 recitations or more.
  • Offering Bhog: On Day 1, pure ingredients are offered—often milk, kheer, white sweets, flowers (especially white or pale color) and jasmines are preferred. 
  • Meditation / Dhyana: Devotees meditate on her form, visualizing her seated, crowned, radiant, to draw her divine presence within.
  • Aarti & Prayers: Concluding with aarti (light ceremony), bells, and devotional songs praising Shailputri’s glory and grace.


🌸 Bring Maa Shailputri’s Blessings into Your Home

If this story inspires you, you can also bring home her presence through art.

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