Shailputri
Discover Shailputri, devotional traditions and prayers in AartiSetu.
Introduction
Maa Shailputri is the first of the nine forms of Goddess Durga known as Navadurga. She is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Her name means “daughter of the mountain.”
Maa Shailputri is revered as the first form of Navadurga, the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. In the commonly followed Navratri tradition, she is worshipped on the first day, Pratipada.
The name combines shaila, meaning “mountain,” and putri, meaning “daughter.” In Hindu tradition, Shailputri is identified with Parvati, the daughter of Himavan, the mountain king, and is associated with the earlier form of Goddess Sati.
She is commonly depicted riding a bull, holding a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other. Artistic details may vary across devotional traditions.
Devotees worship Maa Shailputri with prayers for steadiness, courage, devotion, and an auspicious beginning to their spiritual practice.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-shailputri.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/shailaputri
Names and Meanings
The names associated with Maa Shailputri describe her identity as the mountain’s daughter and her connection with Parvati.
Shailputri
Shailputri
Daughter of the mountain; a name associated with Parvati as the daughter of Himavan.
Parvati
Parvati
The goddess associated with the mountains; Shailputri is identified with Parvati in the Navadurga tradition.
Hemavati
Hemavati
A traditional name associated with Parvati in Hindu literature and devotional usage.
Vrisharudha
Vrisharudha
She who is mounted upon a bull, referring to her customary iconography.
Adi Shakti
Adi Shakti
The primordial divine feminine power; a broader devotional title used for the Goddess.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-shailputri.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/shailaputri
Divine Identity and Relationships
Within the Navadurga tradition, Maa Shailputri is the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is identified with Parvati and connected in traditional accounts with Sati, who is described as having been born again as Parvati.
Himavan, the personification of the Himalayas or mountain king, is named as her father. Her mother is commonly called Maina or Mena in mythological accounts.
As Parvati, she is the consort of Lord Shiva. Her familiar iconography includes a bull as her mount, a trident, and a lotus.
associated
Goddess Durga
Shailputri is the first of the nine Navadurga forms.
associated
Goddess Parvati
Shailputri is identified with Parvati.
associated
Goddess Sati
Traditional accounts connect Parvati/Shailputri with Sati’s rebirth.
associated
Himavan
Father in traditional accounts; personification of the mountains.
associated
Maina / Mena
Named as her mother in many mythological accounts.
associated
Lord Shiva
Consort of Parvati.
Mount
Bull (Vrishabha).
Hand-held symbol
Trident (trishula).
Hand-held symbol
Lotus.
Common iconography
A two-armed goddess riding a bull.
Navratri day
First day, Pratipada, in the commonly followed Navadurga sequence.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-shailputri.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/shailaputri
Sacred Stories
A traditional account connecting the forms of Sati and Parvati.
In a well-known Puranic account, Sati was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati and the wife of Lord Shiva. When Shiva was dishonoured at Daksha’s sacrifice, Sati, deeply distressed, gave up her body.
In a later birth, the Goddess was born as the daughter of Himavan, the mountain king, and became known as Parvati. As the daughter of the mountain, she is also called Shailputri.
In related accounts, Parvati undertakes austerities and is united with Shiva. Details differ among Puranic texts and regional traditions; this summary reflects a widely told devotional narrative.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-shailputri.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/shailaputri
Navratri worship traditionally begins with Maa Shailputri.
In the commonly followed Navadurga sequence, devotees worship Maa Shailputri on the first day of Navratri.
Her identity as the mountain’s daughter is often contemplated as a reminder of steadiness and a firm foundation. Devotees may remember her when setting an intention for the beginning of spiritual practice.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-shailputri.html
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-shailputri.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/shailaputri
Bhog and Offerings
Offerings vary by family, region, and devotional tradition. Follow your family’s practice where applicable; the items below are customary suggestions rather than universal requirements.
Clarified butter (ghee)
Ghee
Some Navratri worship guides associate the first day and Maa Shailputri with an offering of pure ghee.
Flowers
Flowers
Clean flowers may be offered with devotion. The flower used can vary by local practice and availability.
Fruits and sattvic food
Fruits and Sattvic Offering
Fruit or a simple sattvic offering may be presented according to household custom and fasting observances.
Keep the worship area and offering vessels clean.
Choose offerings according to family tradition, availability, and the observances followed during the fast.
Treat specific offerings as customary practices, not universal rules; regional traditions differ.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-shailputri.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/shailaputri
Dhyan and Devotional Contemplation
During contemplation, devotees may reflect on Maa Shailputri’s calm form, the steadiness of a mountain, and the purity symbolised by the lotus.
Sit comfortably, observe the breath for a few moments, and bring Maa Shailputri’s peaceful form to mind.
Repeat “Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah” with devotion and attention. Choose a number of repetitions that suits your tradition and circumstances.
At the beginning of prayer, choose a realistic intention that you can follow with patience and consistency.
Where in my life do I need greater steadiness and patience right now?
What small, regular step can help me begin or renew my spiritual or personal practice?
How can I remain firm during difficulty while preserving compassion and balance?
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-shailputri.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/shailaputri
Worship and Puja Practices
Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. The steps below describe a simple home puja; sequence and details may vary by regional or family tradition.
Bathe, wear clean clothes, and tidy the place of worship.
Make a simple prayerful intention according to your capacity and tradition, and remember Maa Shailputri.
Recite “Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah” and offer flowers, a lamp, and naivedya with devotion.
Pray for the welfare of your family and all beings, and for wisdom, patience, and discernment.
Arrange and clean the place of worship and the puja items.
Light a lamp in a safe and stable place.
Contemplate Maa Shailputri and state your intention for the prayer.
Recite “Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah” respectfully.
Offer flowers, fruit, or sattvic naivedya according to your tradition.
Perform aarti and conclude with a prayer for forgiveness and well-being.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-shailputri.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/shailaputri
Festivals
Sharad Navratri
Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Sharad Navratri in the commonly followed Navadurga sequence.
Chaitra Navratri
Maa Shailputri is also worshipped on the first day of Chaitra Navratri in the Navadurga tradition.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-shailputri.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/shailaputri