First Day of Navratri: Maa Shailputri Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Muhurat and Significance

Navratri begins with the worship of Maa Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga. As the name suggests, Shailputri is the “daughter of the mountains”. She represents strength, stability and the pure energy of nature, making her worship especially significant as Navratri begins.

The first day of Navratri is considered a time to set the tone for the nine-day festival. Devotees worship Maa Shailputri and seek her blessings for strength, peace and a steady beginning to their spiritual journey.

Who Is Maa Shailputri?

Maa Shailputri is recognized as one of the nine forms of the Durga Goddess, famously called the Navdurga. As per Hindu Mythology, she was born as the daughter of the King of mountains, Himavant. The term implies the two words “Shail,” which means mountain, and “Putri,” which implies daughter of the mountain.   

The goddess Maa Shailputri is considered to be related with goddess Parvati, who is Lord Shiva’s wife and mother to Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartik. 

The goddess represents many ideas because of these images of her. For instance, in the picture, Maa Shailputri is depicted having a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other, riding a powerful bull known as Nandi. Nandi is a representation of power, while the lotus is a representation of purity. 

Both these ideas give an idea of what the goddess is expected to give to her worshippers during the nine days of Navratri.

Important Dates and Muhurat Timings For the First Day Of Navratri 2026

Event	Timing / Details
Maa Shailputri Puja Date	Sunday, 11 Oct 2026
Ghatasthapana Muhurat	06:21 AM to 10:14 AM (Duration – 03 Hours 53 Mins)
Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat	11:46 AM to 12:33 PM (Duration – 00 Hours 47 Mins)
Ghatasthapana Muhurta falls on	Pratipada Tithi (Ashwin Shukla Pratipada)
Ghatasthapana Muhurta falls during	Pratah Kaal (first one-third of the day)
Pratipada Tithi Begins	09:21 PM on Oct 10, 2026
Pratipada Tithi Ends	09:32 PM on Oct 11, 2026
Kanya Lagna Begins	04:37 AM on Oct 11, 2026
Kanya Lagna Ends	06:53 AM on Oct 11, 2026

Maa Shailputri Significance on the First Day of Navratri

In the realm of spirituality, Mother Shailputri is represented by Muladhara Chakra which is the chakra located at the base of the body. The chakra governs various aspects related to the functioning of the body and is symbolic of grounding which gives stability and permanence to the life of human beings.  

It is especially relevant to commence the celebration of Navratri with the meaning of the symbolism. 

Worshipping Maa Shailputri is therefore traditionally associated with:

• Strength to overcome obstacles
• Greater connection with nature
• A fresh spiritual beginning
• Grounding and emotional balance
• Inner strength and stability

Maa Shailputri Puja Vidhi

Devotees can worship Maa Shailputri according to their family traditions and local customs. A simple puja can include cleansing the puja space, lighting a diya and offering flowers and other traditional items to the Goddess.

A basic Maa Shailputri Puja may include:

1. Clean the puja area and place an image or idol of Maa Shailputri.
2. Light a diya and incense.
3. Offer flowers, fruits and other traditional prasad.
4. Invoke Maa Shailputri with devotion.
5. Recite her mantra.
6. Offer prayers for strength, stability and spiritual progress.
7. Conclude the puja with an aarti.

The exact rituals may differ depending on regional and family traditions.

Maa Shailputri Mantra

Devotees can chant the traditional Maa Shailputri mantra during the first day of Navratri:

वंदे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥

Maa Shailputri Mantra:

Vande Vanchhita Labhaya Chandrardha Krita Shekharam
Vrisharoodham Shool Dharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim.

Devotees may chant the mantra with a calm and focused mind while offering their prayers to the Goddess.

Maa Shailputri and the Muladhara Chakra

Maa Shailputri’s association with the Muladhara Chakra imparts a spiritual symbolism to the first day of Navratri.  

The Muladhara Chakra relates to stability, grounding and life’s basic essence. Maa Shailputri’s connection with it emphasizes the need for obtaining inner stability before attaining higher levels of consciousness.

Her relationship with the mountains enhances the quality of its relation. A mountain stands for stability and strength.

The worship of Maa Shailputri thus assumes great importance for people who are on their quest for power and true stability.

How to Seek Maa Shailputri’s Blessings During Navratri

During Navratri, one does not just carry out rituals but also creates a positive ambiance. On this day, devotees can reflect on the aspects of their lives that need strengthening and development. 

You can:

• Begin the day with prayer or meditation.
• Chant the Maa Shailputri mantra.
• Keep your surroundings clean and peaceful.
• Offer flowers and fruits to the Goddess.
• Practise gratitude and self-discipline.
• Spend some quiet time in reflection.

The idea is to begin Navratri with a stable mind and sincere devotion, gradually carrying that energy through the remaining eight days.

Why Maa Shailputri Is Worshipped First

The Goddess Durga is said to possess nine forms, each revealing different attributes of Shakti. Among them, worshipping the goddess Shailputri is important in that she indicates the beginning of self-realization. Worship of this deity is associated with the mountains, Nandi, and Muladhara chakra, which provide a sense of stability.

The act of worshipping this goddess is particularly important since it reminds people about the fact that the revolution cannot start until the base is well established.