Shardiya Navratri 2024 is all set to commence soon. The nine-night festival celebrates Goddess Durga, referred to as Adi Shakti. The country is gearing up to celebrate the occasion with utmost pomp and grandeur. Shardiya Navratri occurs in the autumn season during Ashwin’s lunar month. The festival commemorates the Goddess’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura; hence, she is also named Mahishasura Mardini. This year, the festivities will begin from October 3 and end with Dussehra on October 12. As per religious beliefs, worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga during these nine days will fulfil all wishes. The first day of the festival is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri. As per Ayodhya’s astrologer, Pandit Kalki Ram, Shardiya Navratri begins on the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Ashwin month. Since the first day is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, it is considered auspicious to offer her white-coloured foods.
Goddess Shailputri is believed to be the divine daughter of the Himalayas. Shail means mountain and Putri means daughter. Devotees seek her blessings for strength and prosperity in their lives. The Goddess is also considered to be the embodiment of purity and power.
Since white is Goddess Shailputri’s favourite colour, you can offer her barfi, homemade kheer and rabri. The expert shared that offering these foods to her will please her and she will bestow her blessings on the devotees. The pandit also shared the mantra to please her:
“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
Vande Vanchhit Labhaya Chandrardha Krita Shekharam,
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim.
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardha Krita Shekharam,
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim..”
As per Pandit Kalki Ram, maintaining cleanliness along with following the rituals is important. On the first day of Navratri, he advises devotees to wake up early in the morning and clean the entire house. Then he suggests cleaning out the temple inside the house and laying down a new cloth. Devotees should then apply tilak to all the deities and proceed with the worship. The ritual of Kalash Sthapana (establishing the sacred pot) is performed on the first day of Navratri.
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