New Delhi: The entire Nation is vibrant with the spiritual sprit of 'Jai Mata Di' as the Festival of Navratri - 9-Day celebrations - beings today on Monday 22 September, reports Dynamite News correspondent. The first day the devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the first manifestation of Goddess Durga, to seek her blessings for a prosperous and joyful life. The main temple 'Shailputri Durga Temple' is situated in Kashi Khand in Varanasi where on the first day an ocean of devotees pay obeisance and offer prayers to the Goddess. [caption id="attachment_158844" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Shailputri Durga Temple Kashi Khand, Varanasi[/caption] About Maa Shailputri According to the Vedic belief Maa Shailputri is the Daughter of the Himalayas. She is the first reflection of Goddess Durga. It is believed that Maa Shailputri is the reincarnation of Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiva. It is said that Sati self-immolated in the fire of her father Daksha's Yagna. After that in her next life, she was born as Parvati, the daughter of King Himavat (Himalayas), and again became the wife of Lord Shiva. Goddess Shailputri is depicted riding a Nandi (bull) which symbolizes strength and determination. She holds a Trishul (trident) in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left. She is associated with the Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra) which represents stability. Navratri Delhi: All ‘Devi Maa’ Temples in the National Capital decked up for the Festival beginning tomorrow Significance Maa Shailputri is believed to grant mental strength, purity and spiritual awakening. Lakhs of devotees offer prayers to the Goddess to seek her blessings for courage, discipline, and the strength to overcome challenges in life. According to another legend She is regarded as the Goddess of Nature who shower devotees with harmony, good health, and prosperity. Puja Vidhi Devotees should perform puja of Maa Shailputri with Red and yellow flowers, Agarbatti, diya and offer her Red Chunari, fruits and sweets and Panchamrit. After these rituals Dhyan Mantra and Been Mantra must be meditated softly followed by Navratri Aarti to seek blessings of Maa Shailputri Dhyan Mantra (For Meditation) "Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam। Vrusharudham Shuladharam Shailputrim Yashasvinim।।" (Meaning: I bow down to Maa Shailputri, who fulfills all desires, wears a crescent moon on her forehead, rides a bull, carries a trident, and is the daughter of the mountains.) How are Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri different from each other? Read the key differences Beej Mantra "Om Hreem Shailputryai Namah" (Chant this mantra 108 times to seek divine blessings.) Navratri Aarti for Maa Shailputri "Jai Ambe Gauri, Maiya Jai Shyama Gauri। Tumko Nishdin Dhyavat, Hari Brahma Shivri।।" (Devotees sing this aarti in praise of the Goddess while performing the puja.)
