The nine-night festival of Navratri, which honors the divine feminine, is an occasion to celebrate spirituality, devotion, and self-discovery. It is crucial to start this auspicious journey with Mata Shailputri's heavenly blessings before we get caught up in the vivid celebrations since she is the original manifestation of Goddess Durga and the personification of cosmic energy. 

The ancient rite of Ghatastapana, which is also thought to invoke Goddess Durga, ushers in the festival of Navratri. Represents the triumph of good over evil. Maa Shailaputri is Maa Durga's original manifestation. On this auspicious day, she is worshipped first. 

KNOW ABOUT MATA SHAILPUTRI  

The primordial force of the cosmos is worshiped as Mata Shailputri, a manifestation of Maa Sati and Lord Shiva's first wife. Mata Shailputri showed unmatched devotion by sacrificing her own body during the Yagya conducted by Daksha Prajapati. She was given the name Shailputri after this self-sacrificing gesture, which was followed by the birth of her second child at the magnificent palace of the mountain king Himalaya. 

Mata Shailputri, who wears a brilliant golden crescent moon on her head, has an alluring form that reflects the heavenly grace of Lord Shiva. She rides a bull gracefully, symbolizing cosmic harmony, and in each hand, she holds a lotus flower and a "Trishul" (trident), denoting good fortune and heavenly strength. 

The veneration of Mata Shailputri not only links followers to the heavenly couple's sacred beginnings but also calls forth the forces of fostering and creation. Spiritual seekers are moved by her celestial presence to set off on a transformative journey. 

HOW MATA SHELPUTRI CAN BENEFIT YOU 

1. Promising Beginnings: It is believed that commencing Navratri with respect for Mata Shailputri will bring one's life good luck and auspicious starts. 

2. Spiritual Development: Worship on the first day of Navratri sets the tone for spiritual development and inspires followers to go on a transforming journey during the festival. 

3. Protection and Direction: Mata Shailputri is revered as a celestial guardian, and it is said that doing so will protect you from harmful influences and offer direction. 

4.Purity and purification: Mata Shailputri worship is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul, preparing followers for the spiritual importance of the Navratri celebration. 

HOW TO WORSHIP MAA SHAILPUTRI  

On the first day of Navratri, perform the auspicious Ghatasthapana at the proper Muhurat. Get up early, take a bath, and put on clean clothing. The area of worship should be cleaned and prepared for the puja. Install the Kalash and conduct your meditation in front of the statue or image of Maa Shailputri. Perform the puja and present her with Bhog, which includes white clothing, kheer, fruits, and sweets. To appease Mata Shailputri on the day of the puja, recite any of her mantras 108 times. Offer bhog and perform the Aarti in the evening after lighting an oil lamp and an incense stick once more. 

To please Mata Shailputri, recite this mantra.

|| Vande Vadthrichatlabhai Chandradhakritshekharam ||

|| Vrisharudhan Shouldham Shailputri Yashaswini ||

|| Vandi Vadrichatalbhay Chandradhardhakritankharama ||

|| Vrisharriham Shaladharru Shailputri Yashaswini || 

Mata Shailputri worship strengthens the Sun planet 

Over the Navagraha, it is thought that the Navadurgas rule. First among the Navadurgas is Mata Shailputri, a deity. Through the adoration of all Navadurgas, the planet Sun is strengthened. A person should unquestionably worship Maa Shailputri if they are experiencing any type of grief associated with the Sun, such as issues in their father-child connection, a lack of advancement in their line of work, challenges in becoming famous, etc. The sun's resiliency gives followers the willpower they need to work hard and achieve financial success. 

CONCLUSION 

It's not only a ritual to begin your Navratri with Mata Shailputri's blessings; rather, it's an invitation to go on a life-changing spiritual journey. May her heavenly grace light your way, give you courage, and guide you to a happy and fruitful Navratri celebration. May today mark the start of a path paved with love, optimism, and spiritual awakening. Jai Maa Shailputri!