The Journey Begins with Shailputri on the first day

The first morning of Navratri gives you a different feeling. The air is heavy with the scent of incense, and you hear temple bells echoing through the streets, as well as lamps flickering everywhere. But, behind all of this, lies a story that begins with Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains. A story that begins with a promise, and a rebirth.

Before she was Shailputri

A long, long time ago, the Goddess was born as Sati. She loved and married Shiva, but her father, Daksha, was against the match. 

In a cruel twist, Daksha insulted Shiva publicly, before a gathering of gods. Sati, unable to bear the insult, gave up her body, but before leaving, she promised to return, and be reunited with Shiva.

It took years, but she did exactly that. Born again as Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan, she was reborn to fulfill her promise, and to be Shiva’s balance, with the unshakable strength of the mountains themselves. She is also called Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains.

Worshipping Shailputri

On the first day of Navratri, devotees worship the Goddess as Shailputri. She is often shown riding a bull, with a trident in one hand, and a lotus in the other, which are symbols of power and purity. 

She is also linked with the Muladhar Chakra of the Kundalini Life Energy. The Muladhara Chakra is considered to be the root of energy, stability, and inspiration. The colour orange is also associated with her.

Why Shailputri Matters Today?

Think of the mountains, standing tall, weathering storms, and never bending to anything in their way. Shailputri, the daughter of the mountain, reflects that same spirit. While her story may come across as one about divine love, but it’s not just about that. Her story is also about resilience. She reminds us, that even when life shakes us, we can choose to rise. Steady, and unbroken, just like she did.

As Navratri begins, Shailputri bids us to look within and ask ourselves that when the storms of life arrive, will we allow them to break us, or will we stand tall, like a mountain, rooted, strong, willing to rise again?