🌺 Shri Mahishasura Mardini Stotram – Navratri Special 🌺

Maa Shailputri Puja

On this day, devotees worship Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga.

She represents purity, strength, and motherly power.

She rides a bull (Nandi) and holds a trident and a lotus.

Slash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana)

The first day begins with the ritual of Kalash Sthapana, symbolizing the invocation of divine energy.

A pot (Kalash) filled with water, mango leaves, and coconut is placed on a bed of soil with barley seeds, signifying fertility and prosperity.

Start of Nine Nights of Devotion

Devotees observe fasting, prayers, and rituals to honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

Special songs (bhajans), mantras, and dances like Garba and Dandiya are performed, especially in Gujarat.

Maa Shailputri – The Daughter of the Mountains

Meaning of the Name:

Shail = Mountain

Putri = Daughter

So, Shailputri means “Daughter of the Mountain”, referring to her being the daughter of King Himavat, the personification of the Himalayas.

Appearance:

Maa Shailputri is depicted riding a bull named Nandi, holding a trident (trishul) in one hand and a lotus in the other.

She wears simple red clothes, symbolizing purity and devotion.

Divine Story of Maa Shailputri

Birth and Devotion:

Maa Shailputri was born as Parvati, the daughter of King Himavat and Queen Menavati.

From her childhood, she was known for her piety, devotion, and asceticism, showing deep love and respect for Lord Shiva.

Marriage to Lord Shiva:

Maa Shailputri performed severe penance to seek Lord Shiva as her husband.

Her unwavering devotion pleased Shiva, and he married her, transforming her into Paras, the Mother Goddess.

Symbolism:

Maa Shailputri represents nature and the power of purity.

Her trident symbolizes strength, while the lotus signifies spiritual awakening.

Riding the bull (Nandi) shows she is firm, grounded, and connected with nature.

Maa Brahmacharini

Maa Brahmacharini is the embodiment of penance, devotion, and steadfastness. Her name comes from “Brahma” (penance) and “Charini” (female ascetic), meaning one who practices rigorous austerity to attain divine wisdom.

According to legend, Maa Brahmacharini is the unmarried form of Goddess Parvati. To win Lord Shiva as her husband, she undertook 12 years of severe penance and austerities in the Himalayas. Despite facing extreme hardships, she remained steadfast in her devotion and spiritual discipline.

She is depicted as holding a rosary (Jap Mala) in one hand and a water utensil (Kamandal) in the other, symbolizing devotion, meditation, and purity. Her serene and gentle appearance reflects inner strength, calmness, and the power of self-discipline.

Devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini to gain wisdom, knowledge, strength, and courage. It is believed that praying to her brings peace of mind, spiritual enlightenment, and the fulfillment of righteous desires.

The 2nd day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, where devotees offer prayers, sing hymns, and observe fasts in her honor, seeking her blessings for strength, determination, and virtuous life.

Maa Chandraghanta Story

Maa Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga and represents bravery, courage, and serenity. She is named “Chandraghanta” because she wears a crescent moon (Chandra) on her forehead shaped like a bell (Ghanta), symbolizing calmness and readiness to fight evil.

According to legend, after marrying Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati assumed the form of Maa Chandraghanta to protect the world from demons and negativity. She is depicted as a golden-complexioned goddess riding a tiger, with ten arms holding weapons and tools to destroy evil, while maintaining a peaceful demeanor.

Her crescent moon emits divine energy, and the bell-shaped mark represents the sound of divine consciousness, awakening devotion and fearlessness in her devotees. Maa Chandraghanta combines peace and power, showing that one can remain calm yet strong in adversity.

Devotees pray to Maa Chandraghanta on the 3rd day of Navratri to gain courage, strength, wisdom, and protection from dangers. Observing fasts and offering prayers to her is believed to remove fears, obstacles, and negative energies from life.

Maa Kushmanda

Maa Kushmanda is the fourth form of Goddess Durga and is revered as the creator of the universe. Her name comes from “Ku” (little), “Ushma” (energy/heat), and “Anda” (cosmic egg), meaning the one who created the universe with her divine smile and energy.

Legend says that in the beginning, the universe was in darkness. Maa Kushmanda manifested her radiant energy, creating the Sun, stars, and cosmic light. Her divine smile gave rise to the universe, spreading life, energy, and positivity.

She is depicted as four-armed, holding a Kamandal (water pot), rosary, lotus, and weapons, and rides a tiger, symbolizing courage. Her radiant form illuminates the universe and removes darkness, ignorance, and negativity.

Devotees worship Maa Kushmanda to gain health, wealth, energy, and prosperity. Observing fasts and offering prayers on the 4th day of Navratri is believed to bring vitality, happiness, and divine blessings into one’s life.

Maa Skandamata

Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga and is revered as the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the God of War. Her name comes from “Skanda” (her son) and “Mata” (mother), symbolizing divine motherhood, strength, and compassion.

She is depicted as four-armed, seated on a lion, holding her infant son Skanda on her lap. In her other hands, she carries lotus flowers, representing purity, spiritual awakening, and divine energy. Her gentle yet powerful form symbolizes the balance of motherhood and courage.

Devotees worship Maa Skandamata to seek strength, courage, prosperity, and spiritual wisdom. It is believed that praying to her removes fears, obstacles, and negative influences from life. Observing fasts and offering prayers on the 5th day of Navratri blesses devotees with love, family harmony, and maternal protection.