The nine-day Navratri festival dedicated to Goddess Durga begins with the worship of Maa Shailaputri, the first among her nine divine forms known as the Navadurgas. Shailaputri, whose name means ‘Daughter of the Mountain’, holds immense spiritual significance as she embodies purity, strength and devotion.

According to Hindu scriptures, Shailaputri is the incarnation of Goddess Sati, the daughter of King Daksha. When Sati immolated herself during a yajna after her father insulted Lord Shiva, she was reborn as the daughter of the King of the Himalayas, thereby earning the name Shailaputri (Shaila meaning mountain, Putri meaning daughter). In this form, she represents steadfastness and divine resolve.

Depiction and Attributes

Maa Shailaputri is depicted riding a bull, carrying a trident

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