Navratri 2026 Day 1: Maa Shailputri Puja Vidhi, Vrat Katha, Aarti & Mantras
How to perform Maa Shailputri Puja at home? Discover the rituals, vrat katha, mantras, aarti, and Day 1 colour for Navratri 2026.
Shailputri is the first form of goddess Durga. She is the goddess of strength, purity and devotion. Know about Shailputri vrat katha, shailputri puja vidhi, shailputri mantras, shailputri aarti and the importance of wear white on first day of Sharad Navratri.
Who Is Maa Shailputri? Significance of Navratri Day 1
Sharad Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the first form of the nine-day forms of Goddess Durga, together called Navdurga. Maa Shailputri's name is a combination of two words: Shail which means Mountain and Putri which means daughter. Thus she is worshipped as daughter of the king of Himalayas.
Maa Shailputri is shown with a bow and arrow while sitting on a Nandi, a bull. She holds a lotus and a trishul (trident) in her hands. Maa Shailputri's forehead is adorned with a crescent moon symbolising her relationship with Lord Shiva.
People worship her for strength, peace, stability and confidence. As she has a connection with the natural world, she is also connected with the importance of keeping one's balance when taking steps along the religious journey.
As per the classic Navratri colours sequence seen in several states, the colour for the first day of Navratri is white. White signifies peace and positive energy.
Explore Further: Navratri 2026: Which Colours to Wear on All 9 Days?
Maa Shailputri Vrat Katha
As per Hindu mythology, the birth of Shailputri took place as Sati, the daughter of King Daksha Prajapati. She married Lord Shiva but her father was not happy with his son-in-law.
Once King Daksha a powerful individual arranged for a huge Yajna which consisted of many gods and goddesses but overlooked Shiva. Even though Shiva was not pleased about this, Sati had no other idea but to go to her fathers house.
As Sati arrived, Daksha humiliated Lord Shiva in front of all the invitees. Unable to withstand the embarrassment of her husband, Sati sacrificeed her own life in the fire of sacrifice.
In her next incarnation, she was born as Himavat's daughter to King Himavat of the Himalayas and named Shailputri. She was finally united with Lord Shiva by her devotion.
The tale is dedicated to the feeling of commitment and dignity that spirituality embodies. Devotees should pray to Maa Shailputri on Navratri's first day to allow for a strong and pure beginning to the festival.
Maa Shailputri Puja Vidhi for Navratri 2026 Day 1
It is very good to pray to Maa Shailputri on the first day of Navratri. Know how to do Navratri puja at home.
Clean the puja area: Have a bath and put on clean attire; it should be a colour that is associated with your Day 1 colour if this is true for you e.g. white.
Prepare the altar: Arrange an idol or picture of Maa Shailputri on a clean ground. On the other hand, if you are doing the Ghatasthapana, then keep the kalash as per family customs.
Light a diya: Before starting the main puja, you may offer pooja to Lord Ganesha.
Offer flowers and prasad: Offer Maa Shailputri fresh flower, incense, fruit, and sweets. White flower can be used if possible.
Chant the mantra: Chant the mantra of Maa Shailputri with focus. A devotee can also chant this for 108 mala using malas.
Read the vrat katha: Read or listen to the story of Maa Shailputri and keep praying for the family.
Perform the aarti: Finish the puja by singing the aarti of Maa Shailputri and receiving her blessings.
Optional fasting. Observed as health and capacity and family custom. Simple vegetarian fare and genuine devotion are the best path.
Maa Shailputri Mantras for Navratri Day 1
Chanting this mantra is a form of meditation to help enhance concentration and devotion to the Goddess.
1. Maa Shailputri Mantra
ॐ शैलपुत्र्यै नमः।
Salutations to Maa Shailputri, the divine daughter of the mountains.
2. Navdurga Mantra
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे।
This is a widely recited mantra associated with Goddess Chamunda and divine feminine power.
3. Maa Shailputri Dhyana Mantra
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
Salutations to the glorious Maa Shailputri, who fulfils devotees’ sincere wishes, wears a crescent moon on her forehead, rides a bull, and holds a trident.
Chant these mantras in morning puja or during meditation; with a calm mind and humble attitude.
Maa Shailputri Ki Aarti
Sing Maa Shailputri as per tradition once the puja is done.
शैलपुत्री माँ बैल असवार,
करें देवता जय-जयकार।
शिव शंकर की प्रिय भवानी,
तेरी महिमा किसी ने न जानी।
पार्वती तू उमा कहलावे,
जो तुझे सिमरे सो सुख पावे।
ऋद्धि-सिद्धि परवान करे तू,
दया करे धनवान करे तू।
सोमवार को शिव संग प्यारी,
आरती तेरी जिसने उतारी।
मनोकामना पूर्ण कर दो,
भक्त सदा सुख-संपत्ति भर दो।
After the aarti, pray with folded hands and have Maa Shailputri's blessings to get peace, power, and happiness.
In conclusion, worshipping Maa Shailputri on Navratri 2026 Day 1 is a beautiful way to begin the festival with faith and devotion. May her blessings bring strength, peace, and happiness to every home.
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