Navratri Day 1 is 11 Oct 2026 (Sunday). On this day we worship Maa Shailaputri - daughter of Himavat, the king of the Himalayas. This page gives her story from scripture, her form, how to do the puja at home, her mantra and the traditional offering, in simple English.
Day 1: Maa Shailaputri
शैलपुत्री
11 Oct 2026, Sunday. Daughter of Himavat, the king of the Himalayas.
| Navratri day | Day 1 of 9 |
| Date | 11 Oct 2026, Sunday |
| Goddess | Maa Shailaputri (शैलपुत्री) |
| Meaning | Daughter of Himavat, the king of the Himalayas |
| Traditional offering (bhog) | Pure cow's ghee, or sweets made with ghee |
| Mantra | Om Devī Śailaputryai Namaḥ |
| Scriptural source | Devi Kavacham, Durga Saptashati |
Who is Maa Shailaputri?
Maa Shailaputri is the first of the nine forms of Durga worshipped during Navratri. Her name means "daughter (putri) of the mountain (shaila)." She is Goddess Parvati herself, daughter of Himavat, king of the Himalayas. In her previous birth she was Sati, daughter of Daksha. After Sati gave up her body, she was reborn as Parvati and once again became the wife of Lord Shiva. The Shiva Purana tells the complete story of how she performed great tapas (penance) to win Lord Shiva. She is the Goddess of the Muladhara (root) in the tradition of Shakta Tantra, though the Navadurga worship itself comes from the Devi Kavacham recited with the Durga Saptashati.
Her form
She has two hands. In her right hand she holds a trishul (trident). In her left hand she holds a lotus. She wears a half moon on her forehead. She rides Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. She wears red and pink robes.
Puja at home
On the morning of 11 October 2026, perform Ghatasthapana first (see our Ghatasthapana guide). Then offer flowers, kumkum and a ghee lamp to Maa Shailaputri. Chant her name mantra 108 times or as many times as you can. Offer pure ghee or a ghee sweet as bhog. The evening aarti completes the day's puja. Even the simplest puja done with true devotion reaches the Goddess.
Traditional offering (bhog): Pure cow's ghee, or sweets made with ghee. Offerings follow family and regional tradition; offer with love whatever you have.
Mantra
Scriptural source: Devi Kavacham (from the Durga Saptashati, Markandeya Purana) names Shailaputri as the first Navadurga. Her birth as daughter of Himavat is described in the Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita. The form description follows the traditional Navadurga dhyana shlokas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Why is Shailaputri worshipped first?
She represents the very beginning of the spiritual journey - rootedness, stability and devotion. Just as a mountain is unmoveable, she gives the devotee a firm foundation. In the Navadurga sequence described in the Devi Kavacham, she is always the first.
What is the connection between Shailaputri and Parvati?
They are the same Goddess. Parvati is Shailaputri in her form as daughter of the Himalayas. Before this birth she was Sati, daughter of Daksha. This is described in the Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita (Sati Khanda and Parvati Khanda).
Can I worship Shailaputri without a kalash?
Yes. A simple puja with a lamp, flowers, kumkum and sincere prayer is a complete act of devotion. The Goddess looks at the heart of the devotee, not the size of the arrangement.
Can elderly people or those with health problems keep the Navratri fast?
Yes. Our tradition has always allowed a lighter phalahar fast (fruits, milk and sattvik foods) for the elderly, the unwell and pregnant women. The Devi Bhagavata Purana says the Goddess values sincere devotion above physical austerity. If you have diabetes, blood pressure or take regular medicines, please speak to your doctor before keeping a strict fast. Devotion of the heart is what reaches the Goddess.
What foods are avoided during the Navratri vrat?
The vrat tradition, as observed across India, avoids wheat, rice, lentils, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food and regular table salt. Allowed foods include fruits, milk, paneer, ghee, sendha namak (rock salt), kuttu (buckwheat) flour, singhara (water chestnut) flour, rajgira (amaranth) flour, sabudana, potatoes and all fresh fruits and nuts.
Do I need a pandit to do Navratri puja at home?
No. The Navratri puja at home can be done simply and sincerely by any member of the family. Light a lamp, offer flowers and bhog, chant the Goddess's mantra or read from the Durga Saptashati, and do the aarti. The Devi Bhagavata Purana says the Goddess herself comes to homes where she is invited with a pure heart.
Navratri 2026 series
- Navratri 2026: complete guide and dates
- Ghatasthapana: kalash sthapana at home
- Day 1 (Orange): Maa Shailaputri
- Day 2 (White): Maa Brahmacharini
- Day 3 (Red): Maa Chandraghanta
- Day 4 (Royal Blue): Maa Kushmanda
- Day 5 (Yellow): Maa Skandamata
- Day 6 (Green): Maa Katyayani
- Day 7 (Grey): Maa Kalaratri
- Day 8 (Purple): Maa Mahagauri
- Day 9 (Peacock Green): Maa Siddhidatri
Continue reading
Jai Mata Di. Navratri Day 1: Maa Shailaputri. Sharad Navratri 2026.