Importance of Chaitra Navratri Puja

Ghatasthapana is one of the significant rituals during Navratri. It marks the beginning of nine days of festivity. Our scriptures have well-defined rules and guidelines for performing Ghatasthapana during a certain period at the beginning of Navratri. Ghatasthapana is the invocation of Goddess Shakti and doing it wrong time, as our scriptures forewarn, might bring the wrath of the Goddess Shakti. Ghatasthapana is prohibited during Amavasya and nighttime.

Maa Shailputri is the daughter of the Himalayas. The word Shail in the Sanskrit language means Mountain, and Putri means daughter. Thus, Shailputri means Daughter of the Mountains. Goddess Durga is known by this name because she has incarnated from the Himalayas – the Emperor of Mountains. Also, she is the first avatar, amongst the nine different avatars of Goddess Durga. Hence, Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri.

Maa Shailputri has many divine powers. While meditating on the first day of Navratri, a devotee should focus on the body parts of the Muladhara Chakra. From here onwards, the journey of Navratri Sadhana begins. The Yog Sadhana starts by chanting Shailputri Dhyan and Mantra. This goddess fulfils all the materialistic desires, and you can thus experience completeness in your life. The devotee needs to keep his or her mind focused on the Muladhara Chakra.

Maa Shailputri Dhyan: Vande Vanchhit Laabhaya Chandrardha Krita Shekharaam Vrisharudham Shooladharam Shailputrim Yashasvinim.

Maa Shailputri Mantra for the first day of Navratri: ll Om Sham Shailputraye Namah ll (Chant 108 times).

The colour of the first day was grey.

Prasad of the first day: Banana and Ghee made from cow milk & crystal sugar.

Best Auspicious Muhurat for Chitra Navaratri: