Devi Navratri Shailputri Puja 2026

Shailaputri Puja is the first day of Dasara Sharannavaratri, performed on Ashwayuja Shukla Padyami right after Ghatasthapana. Goddess Shailaputri, the first of the Navadurga forms, is Parvati as the daughter of Himavan, the mountain king, and her worship opens the nine days of Devi aradhana.

Who is Shailaputri?

In her earlier birth the Goddess was Sati, daughter of Daksha and wife of Shiva, who gave up her body in yogic fire after her husband was insulted at Daksha's yagna. Reborn in Himavan's home, she was called Shailaputri and Haimavati, and once again won Shiva as her husband. She rides a bull, holds a trident in her right hand and a lotus in her left, and wears the crescent moon on her head. She stands for devotion and purity as unshakeable as a mountain.

The first day of Dasara

In Telugu homes the first day of Sharannavaratri is full of festive cheer, with Ghatasthapana in the morning and lamps and puja in the evening. At Srisailam, the Dasara utsavams follow the tradition of decorating Bhramaramba Devi in the Navadurga forms, beginning with the Shailaputri alankaram on the first day. In Telangana, women stack flowers into Bathukamma and sing and dance around it during these same days.

Shailaputri puja steps

• After Ghatasthapana, place Shailaputri's picture or the Goddess's idol before the kalasham.
• Worship with turmeric, kumkum, sandal paste and akshatalu, offering jasmine and white chamanthi.
• Recite the dhyana shloka "Vande vanchita labhaya chandrardha krita shekharam, vrisharudham shuladharam Shailaputrim yashasvinim".
• Chant "Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah" 108 times and read Lalitha Sahasranamam or Durga Ashtottaram.
• Pongali or payasam made with cow ghee is a common naivedyam.
• Do deeparadhana in the evening and offer mangala harathi.

Fasting customs

Some devotees fast all nine days, while others fast only on the first day and on Ashtami. Taking milk and fruit during the day and a sattvic meal after the evening puja is common. Anyone whose health does not allow it can keep the rules to the extent they can.

Significance

Devotees believe Shailaputri's worship brings steadiness of mind and peace in the family. This is the day that lays the foundation for the whole Navratri sadhana.

With Mother Shailaputri's blessings, may your Dasara begin auspiciously.