Aarti

Maa Shailaputri Ki Aarti (शैलपुत्री माता की आरती) - Shailputri Mantra

Navaratri (नवरात्रि)  is a nine-night festival that originates from the Sanskrit terms 'nava,' which means 'nine,' and 'ratri,' which means 'nights.' Due to its timing with the Durga Puja, this holiday is very popular in eastern and northeastern India. Goddess Durga is shown fighting the buffalo demon Mahishasura during this time in a symbolic conflict. Dharma was reinstated as a result of the goddess' ultimate victory. Although it is predominantly celebrated through the festival centered around Goddess Durga or Kali, this triumphant event is also celebrated throughout the southern parts of India. Navaratri is marked with performing the Aarti and the dance known as Garba in Gujarati traditions, an Indian state in the west. The depiction of the conflict between good and evil, which is frequently motivated by a widely recognised regional epic like the Devi Mahatmya, is the fundamental element that unites all of these events. The Shakta and Vaishnava Puranas, among other Hindu scriptures, specify that Navaratri could technically occur two or four times within a year. The Sharada Navaratri, which comes with the autumn equinox in September–October, and the Vasanta Navaratri, which occurs close to the spring equinox in March–April, are two of these occasions that attract a lot of cultural interest in India. No matter when it occurs, Navaratri always takes place in the Hindu lunisolar months' 'bright half' or waxing phase. Regional cultural preferences and individual creativity both have played an important part in determining the types of celebration that are practiced in each place. Day 1 – Shailaputri Devi  शैलपुत्री देवी Shailaputri, also known as शैलपुत्री in Sanskrit, is considered to be the daughter of Himavat, the Mountain King, and is a divine manifestation and form of the revered Hindu Goddess Parvati. As the first Navadurga, Shailaputri is honoured and worshipped on the first day of the nine-night festival of Navratri. She is believed to be a reincarnation of Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva. Her name 'Shailaputri' translates to 'Daughter of the Mountain,' symbolising her connection to the majestic mountains and her birth from the Himalayas. Outlined in iconic imagery, Goddess Shailaputri is depicted with two divine hands and adorns a crescent moon on her forehead. Her right hand holds a trident, a powerful weapon associated with Lord Shiva (भगवान् शिव), representing her association with divine power and destruction of evil forces. In her left hand, she clasps a delicate lotus flower, symbolising beauty, purity, and spiritual enlightenment. To further enhance her divine presence, Shailaputri is depicted riding atop Nandi (नन्दी), the sacred bull, known as Lord Shiva's loyal mount. Nandi embodies strength, stability, and unwavering dedication, and serves as a symbol of her royal stature and magnificence. The worship and devotion of Goddess Shailaputri during Navratri hold immense significance for devotees. By honouring her, followers seek her blessings for strength, protection, and the elimination of obstacles on their spiritual journey. Her divine qualities and associations embody the essence of purity, devotion, and perseverance, inspiring devotees to follow a righteous path and embrace the virtues she represents. Overall, Shailaputri, the first incarnation of the Navadurga, holds a pivotal position in Hindu mythology and spiritual practices. Her depiction as the daughter of the mountains, her divine attributes, and her connection to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati contribute to her revered status. Devotees worship and invoke her blessings during Navratri, seeking her divine grace and guidance on their spiritual quest. Which Colour to Wear on the 1st Day of Navratri? In the Navratri celebrations for the year 2023, the colour orange takes precedence as it is the first and holds a special place. Notably bright and vibrant, orange symbolises a sense of warmth, fire, and energy. On the first day of Navratri, it is customary to honour Goddess Shailputri. Immersing oneself in the festivities can involve incorporating this radiant hue into various aspects of the celebration. One way to do so is by infusing the colour orange into your Navratri mandir, or alter decorations at home. This could mean embellishing the space with orange flowers or using orange coloured artifices. The vibrant orange setting is sure to set an enthusiastic and lively ambience reflecting the festive spirit. Extending this colour theme beyond the mandir to different corners of your home can further accentuate the Navratri atmosphere. The colour-themed celebration doesn't end with decoration, but also extends to attire. Individuals are often seen dressed in bright orange garments, aligning with the colour theme. This not only allows you to participate in the traditions but also adds a sense of unity and cohesion to the festivities. Everyone dressed in orange creates a visually striking and festive image that truly brings out the essence and spirit of Navratri. Here are the Navratri Day 2 colours and Day 3 colours along with their designated Goddesses.  Also Read: Navratri Aarti | नवरात्री आरती संग्रह Shailputri Aarti Pdf Free Download