Who is Goddess Shailputri?
Shailputri is the first form of NavaDurga; and is also known as Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati. She is known to be the earthly essence. Maa Shailputri is the major and the absolute form of the Goddess. Since she was the wife to Lord Shiva and is known as Parvati. She took birth as the daughter of Lord Himalaya; due to which she is named as Shailputri – the daughter of mountains. Her deity has a half moon in her forehead and holds a trident in her right hand & lotus flower in her left hand. The Goddess can be seen seated on mount Nandi (bull).
Maa Shailputri Story
The embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, she rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus in her two hands. In the previous birth, she was the daughter of Daksha, Sati. Once Daksha had organized a big Yagna and did not invite Shiva. But Sati being obstinate, reached there. Thereupon Daksha insulted him. Sati could not tolerate the insult of the husband. So she burnt herself in the fire of Yagna.
In other birth, she became the daughter of Himalaya in the name of Parvati – Hemavati and got married to Shiva. As per Upanishad, she had torn and the egotism of Indra, etc. Devtas. Being ashamed they bowed and prayed, “In fact, thou are Shakti, we call – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiv are capable by getting Shakti from you.”
Significance of Maa Shailputri
It is believed that the Moon (the provider of all fortunes) is governed by Goddess Shailputri. So, any bad effect of the Moon can be overcome by worshipping her. Shailaputri is the essence of earthly existence. Her abode is in the Muladhara Chakra. The divine energy is latent in every human being. The Tattva (element) is Earth, with the Guna (quality) of coherence, and with the Bheda (distinct) characteristics of Gharana(the smell).
Important facts about Maa Shailputri
- Origin: After self-immolation in Her form as Sati, the Mother Goddess took birth in the house of King of Mountains, as the daughter of Lord Himalaya.
- Meaning: Shailaputri literally means the daughter (putri) of the mountain (shaila)
- Worship Date: 1st day of Navratri
- Planet: Moon
- Favorite Flower: Hibiscus
- Favorite Color: Orange
- Shailputri Mantra: Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
- Other Names: Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati
- Appearance: Devi Shailaputri is depicted with two hands and has a crescent moon on her forehead. She holds a trident in her right hand & a lotus flower in the left. She rides on mount Nandi (bull)
