Today marks the beginning of Sharadiya Navratri, a significant Hindu festival observed with great devotion. The festival, which occurs every year on the Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashvin, involves worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, who is the daughter of the Himalayas and the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. It is believed that performing the Ghatasthapana ritual on the first day of Navratri, followed by the worship of Maa Shailputri as per the rituals, brings auspicious results. The auspicious time for the Ghatasthapana is from 6:08 AM to 8:06 AM today, and the Abhijit Muhurat is from 11:49 AM to 12:38 PM. Offerings to Maa Shailputri should include white clothing, roli, akshat, sindoor, incense, lamps, and flowers, with red hibiscus or white flowers being particularly auspicious. The mantras ‘Sarva Mangalya Mangalye…’ and ‘Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu…’ should be recited during the puja. The article concludes with the Aarti of Maa Shailputri.
