Chaitra Navratri Navratri Shailputri Puja 2026

Shailaputri Puja is performed on Chaitra Shukla Padyami, the first day of Chaitra Navratri, in honour of Goddess Shailaputri, the first of the Navadurgas. Since this is also Ugadi, the Telugu New Year begins with the worship of the Divine Mother.

Who is Shailaputri?

"Shaila" means mountain — she is the daughter of Himavan, king of the mountains. In her previous birth she was Sati, daughter of Daksha Prajapati and wife of Lord Shiva. Unable to bear the insult to her husband at her father's yagna, she gave up her body in yogic fire. Reborn to Himavan and Menadevi as Parvati, she again united with Shiva. She is shown riding a bull, holding a trident in her right hand and a lotus in her left, with a crescent moon on her head.

Vande vanchhita labhaya chandrardha krita shekharam | Vrisharudham shuladharam shailaputrim yashasvinim ||

A Puja that Meets Ugadi

Chaitra Navratri is best known in North India as Navadurga worship. In Telugu homes this morning is full of Ugadi pachadi, Panchanga Shravanam, new clothes and bobbatlu. Devotees of Ammavaru install the kalasham the same day and begin the Vasanta Navratri deeksha with Shailaputri Puja — starting the year with devotion as steady as a mountain.

Puja Vidhanam

• After the Ugadi head bath, place the Goddess's image near the kalasham installed for Ghatasthapana.
• Decorate with turmeric, kumkuma, red flowers and mango blossoms.
• Light a ghee lamp and chant "Om Devi Shailaputryai Namaha" 108 times.
• In some traditions pure cow ghee or a ghee sweet is offered as naivedyam; Ugadi pachadi is also offered to the Goddess.
• Recite the Lalitha Ashtottaram or a Devi stotram and offer harathi.

Significance and Niyamas

Yogic tradition links Shailaputri worship to the Muladhara chakra — this is the day that lays the foundation for spiritual practice. Devotees believe she blesses the mind with stability, the family with peace and life with good health. Those taking the deeksha follow satvik food, one meal a day or a fruit fast for nine days; choose what suits your health.

With the blessings of Shailaputri, daughter of the mountains, may this new year bring steady happiness to all.