Navratri Day 1

Navratri

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It is finally the eve of Navratri today, the auspicious festival in the Hindu tradition. It is associated with feminine empowerment, and the celebration of the divine feminine energy embodied in various forms of the Goddess. For nine nights, devotees engage in worship, fasting, and vibrant festivities dedicated to Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, among other forms of Shakti.

Nav → Nine

Ratri → Nights

The festival of Nine Nights

During Navratri, each day is dedicated to a different aspect of the Goddess. The festival is marked by dances, devotional songs, and rituals that honor the power of women and the importance of nurturing energy in our lives.

Navratri is not just about honoring the power of women, but also on purifying oneself from evil within and liberating it with various forms of art. Some rejoicce in dancing, called Garba which is famous in India and is the term used synonymously with Navratri. Where there is dance, there will be music. The atmosphere in these nine days for a person living in India and enjoying him/herself is truly positive and liberating.

For me, I am starting to write this which makes me appreciate and be grateful for this divine atmosphere. This year is one of the years, where I want to liberate from my negative thoughts and move above my senses to embrace a more spiritual existence.

The most personal nostalgia for me growing up is my mother doing prayers and reciting divine aarti of Maa Durga every day for 9 days on the eve of Navratri. It has a special place in my heart, it is a beautiful moment to be living with.

The first day is worshiped to Maa Shailputri, which is the daughter of mountain King Himavat.

Quote for Day 1

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“Where there is a woman, there is magic.”

— Ntozake Shange

The festival of Navratri has made so many impacts on lives of people, some memories, relations, employments, skills, arts, fame, culture, literature, so much more. It is no doubt to say, where there is a women, there is indeed magic and love. Without her, there is no life. There is no place for a person in this world who disrespects a women.

Also, navratri brings in a new hope, a hope in the dark nights, it is a testament to one’s faith, one’s grit to defeat the evil within, because the fight within is more fierce than the fight outside in this modern world.

With the dawn of each new beginning, may you find the strength to rise, just as the lotus blooms from the depths of the mud.

Maa Shailputri

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As per the Hindu legends, Shailputri was the incarnation of Devi Sati. In this avatar, she took birth as the daughter of King Himavat, the king of the mountains. Hence, the name Shailputri; where Shaila means Mountain and Putri means daughter. Maa Shailaputri meaning, The Goddess Mountain Daughter.

Maa Shailputri is often portrayed riding a magnificent bull (Vrisha), which symbolizes strength, resilience, and the power to overcome obstacles. In this context, the bull reflects her guidance, leading her devotees towards spiritual awakening while embodying her mastery over the material realm.

In her right hand, she wields a trident, or Trishul, symbolizing the divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This trident signifies the Goddess’s ability to create, sustain, and destroy, highlighting her as the ultimate representation of divine feminine energy.

She carries a lotus flower in her left hand, which symbolizes purity and peace. symbolizes the power to rise above the material realm, embodying spiritual awakening and purity. It reflects her ability to guide her devotees towards inner peace, harmony, and enlightenment, representing the transformative journey of the soul.

Muladhara Chakraa

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As the first of the Navdurgas, Goddess Shailputri holds a place of immense importance. She is considered the very essence of nature and represents the root chakra (Muladhara), which governs the foundation of human life. 

मूल: (Mula): → Root

आधार (Aadhar) → Foundation, Base

It is associated as a base/root chakra because it is the first chakra or the body part which is developed in the womb of a human being. So it is the first form of the new life that will evolve into a complete human being.

From a Yogic perspective, the first day of Navratri is seen as highly auspicious, marking the beginning of the spiritual journey for devoted seekers. On this day, many devotees engage in meditation, chant mantras, and perform specific rituals to honor Maa Shailputri, seeking her blessings for Siddhis and various boons.

As the embodiment of Muladhara Shakti, Goddess Shailputri imparts essential life lessons, awakening individuals to the power of self-awareness and consciousness. The Muladhara Chakra serves as the foundation of our bodily awareness. By focusing one’s energies on this chakra, they can unify their essence with Shakti, elevate their awareness of the higher self, and progress on their spiritual path.

The experience of connecting with Shailputri Mata is profoundly divine, offering an opportunity for soul-searching and spiritual growth. When awakened, she initiates her ascent towards Shiva, who resides in the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara Chakra). This journey represents the beginning of spiritual awakening and the pursuit of one’s life purpose. Without energizing the Muladhara Chakra, individuals may struggle to confront life’s challenges. Therefore, during the first day of Navratri, one must concentrate their minds on the Muladhara Chakra, marking the initiation of their spiritual discipline. This day serves as a vital connection to the Divine Mother Durga and the stabilizing energy of the Muladhara Chakra, fostering strength and resilience.

So on this auspicious first day of Navratri, let’s rejoice in the rhythmic mantras and shlokas about Maa Shailputri.

Maa Shaiputri Pujan Mantra

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Here are the Mantras, Prathanas, Stutis and some Kavaach shlokas related to Maa Shailputri.

Mantra:

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ऊँ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah॥

Meaning:

I bow down to the Goddess Shailaputri

Prarthana

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Shloka

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वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥

Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam

Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim॥

Meaning:

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I bow to the one who fulfills all desires, who has the moon as a crown, who rides a bull, who wields a trident, and who is the glorious daughter of the mountain.

Word by Word meaning:

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• वन्दे (Vande): I bow / I salute

• वाञ्छितलाभाय (Vanchhitalabhaya): To the one who fulfills all desires

  • वाञ्छित (Vanchhita): Desired / wished

  • लाभाय (Labha): For the attainment

• चन्द्रार्धकृत (Chandrardhakrita): Who has the half-moon as a crown

  • चन्द्र (Chandra): Moon

  • आर्ध (Ardha): Half

  • कृत (Krita): Having

• शेखराम् (Shekharam): A crown / crest

• वृषारूढां (Vrisharudham): Who rides a bull

  • वृष (Vrisha): Bull

  • आरूढां (Arudham): Mounted / riding

• शूलधरां (Shuladharām): Who wields a trident

  • शूल (Shula): Trident

  • धरां (Dharām): Holding / bearing

• शैलपुत्रीं (Shailaputrīm): The daughter of the mountains

  • शैला (Shaila): Mountain

  • पुत्री (Putrī): Daughter

• यशस्विनीम् (Yashasvinīm): Who is glorious / famous

Stuti

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Shloka

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या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita।

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

Meaning:

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Salutations to that Goddess who resides in all beings in the form of Maa Shailaputri. I bow to her, I bow to her, I bow to her repeatedly.

Word By Word Meaning:

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• या (Yā): Who

  • Used to refer to a feminine divine presence.

• देवी (Devi): Goddess

  • Signifies a divine female entity.

• सर्वभूतेषु (Sarvabhūteṣu): In all beings

  • सर्व (Sarva): All

  • भूतेषु (Bhūteṣu): In beings / living entities

• माँ (Mā): Mother

  • A term of affection and reverence.

• शैलपुत्री (Shailaputrī): Daughter of the mountains

  • शैला (Shaila): Mountain

  • पुत्री (Putrī): Daughter

• रूपेण (Rūpeṇa): In the form

  • Indicates the manifestation or embodiment.

• संस्थिता (Sansthitā): Established / residing

  • Suggests permanence or presence in that form.

• नमस्तस्यै (Namastasyai): Salutations to her

  • नमः (Namah): Salutation

  • तस्यै (Tasyai): To her

• नमस्तस्यै (Namastasyai): Salutations to her (repeated for emphasis)

  • Same meaning as above.

• नमस्तस्यै (Namastasyai): Salutations to her (repeated again)

  • Same meaning as above.

• नमो (Namo): I bow / Salutation

  • A humble acknowledgment.

• नमः (Namah): Salutation / bowing down

  • Indicates respect and reverence.

Dhyana

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Shloka

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वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥
पूणेन्दु निभाम् गौरी मूलाधार स्थिताम् प्रथम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
पटाम्बर परिधानां रत्नाकिरीटा नामालंकार भूषिता॥
प्रफुल्ल वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां स्नेमुखी क्षीणमध्यां नितम्बनीम्॥

Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim॥
Punendu Nibham Gauri Muladhara Sthitam Prathama Durga Trinetram।
Patambara Paridhanam Ratnakirita Namalankara Bhushita॥
Praphulla Vandana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham।
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Snemukhi Kshinamadhyam Nitambanim

Meaning

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I worship Gauri, who shines like a full moon, resides in the Muladhara chakra, and is the first Durga with three eyes. She wears a garland of lotus flowers, a gemstone crown, and ornaments. Her beauty is accompanied by blooming flowers and tender leaves. Her cheeks are lovely, breasts firm, face pleasant, waist slender, and hips like a lotus stem.

Shloka to Word Meaning

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वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।

वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥

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Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।**

Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim॥

I worhsip to the one who fulfills all desires, who has the half-moon as a crown.

(I worship to her) who rides a bull, wields a trident, and is the glorious daughter of the mountains.

• वन्दे (Vande): I bow / I salute

• वाञ्छितलाभाय (Vanchhitalabhaya): to the one who fulfills desires

  • वाञ्छित (Vanchhita): desired / wished

  • लाभाय (Labha): for the attainment / for the gain

• चन्द्रार्धकृत (Chandrardhakrita): who has the half-moon as a crown

  • चन्द्र (Chandra): moon

  • आर्ध (Ardha): half

  • कृत (Krita): made / as (in this context, “having”)

• शेखराम् (Shekharam): a crown / crest

• वृषारूढां (Vrisharudham): who rides a bull

  • वृष (Vrisha): bull

  • आरूढां (Arudham): mounted / riding

• शूलधरां (Shuladharām): who wields a trident

  • शूल (Shula): trident

  • धरां (Dharām): holding / bearing

• शैलपुत्रीं (Shailaputrīm): the daughter of the mountains

  • शैला (Shaila): mountain

  • पुत्री (Putrī): daughter

• यशस्विनीम् (Yashasvinīm): who is glorious / famous

**पूणेन्दु निभाम् गौरी मूलाधार स्थिताम् प्रथम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
पटाम्बर परिधानां रत्नाकिरीटा नामालंकार भूषिता॥
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Punendu Nibham Gauri Muladhara Sthitam Prathama Durga Trinetram।
Patambara Paridhanam Ratnakirita Namalankara Bhushita॥

She shines like the full moon, Gauri, and is established in the root chakra. The first Durga, with three eyes.

She is adorned in a yellow sari, wearing a jewel-studded crown and beautiful ornaments.

• पूणेन्दु (Punendhu): like the full moon

  • पूण (Pūṇa): full

  • इन्दु (Indhu): moon

• निभाम् (Nibham): brilliance / shine

• गौरी (Gaurī): the fair one / Gauri

• मूलाधार (Mūlādhāra): root chakra

  • मूल (Mūla): root / base

  • आधार (Ādhāra): support / foundation

• स्थिताम् (Sthitām): established / situated

• प्रथम (Pratham): the first

• दुर्गा (Durgā): Goddess Durga

• त्रिनेत्राम् (Trinetram): who has three eyes

  • त्रि (Tri): three

  • नेत्र (Netra): eyes

• पटाम्बर (Paṭāmbar): wearing a yellow sari

  • पट (Paṭa): cloth

  • अम्बर (Ambar): sky / garment

• परिधानां (Paridhānām): adorned / clothed

• रत्नाकिरीटा (Ratnakirīṭā): jewel-studded crown

  • रत्न (Ratna): jewel

  • आकीरीट (Kīṭa): crown

• नामालंकार (Nāmalāṅkāra): beautiful ornaments

  • नाम (Nāma): name / beautiful

  • आलंकार (Ālaṅkāra): decoration / ornament

• भूषिता (Bhūṣitā): adorned / decorated

प्रफुल्ल वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां स्नेमुखी क्षीणमध्यां नितम्बनीम्॥

Praphulla Vandana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham।
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Snemukhi Kshinamadhyam Nitambanim

Her beauty is accompanied by blooming flowers and tender leaves. Her cheeks are lovely, breasts firm, face pleasant, waist slender, and hips like a lotus stem

• प्रफुल्ल (Praphulla): blossoming / blooming

• वन्दना (Vandanā): offering / salutation

• पल्लवाधरां (Pallavādharaṃ): with blossoming breasts

  • पल्लव (Pallava): bud / blossom

  • आधरां (Ādharaṃ): having / with

• कान्त (Kānta): beautiful

• कपोलाम् (Kapolām): cheeks

• तुगम् (Tugam): lovely / pleasing

• कुचाम् (Kuchām): breasts / bosom

• कमनीयां (Kamanīyām): charming / beautiful

• लावण्यां (Lāvaṇyām): full of grace

• स्नेमुखी (Sne Mukhī): with a gentle face

• क्षीणमध्यां (Kṣīṇamadhyām): slim-waisted

• नितम्बनीम् (Nitambanīm): with beautiful hips

Stotra

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Shloka

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प्रथम दुर्गा त्वंहि भवसागरः तारणीम्।
धन ऐश्वर्य दायिनी शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
त्रिलोजननी त्वंहि परमानन्द प्रदीयमान्।
सौभाग्यरोग्य दायिनी शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
चराचरेश्वरी त्वंहि महामोह विनाशिनीं।
मुक्ति भुक्ति दायिनीं शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥

Prathama Durga Tvamhi Bhavasagarah Taranim।
Dhana Aishwarya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham॥
Trilojanani Tvamhi Paramananda Pradiyaman।
Saubhagyarogya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham॥
Charachareshwari Tvamhi Mahamoha Vinashinim।
Mukti Bhukti Dayinim Shailaputri Pranamamyaham॥

Meaning

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You are the first Durga, the savior from the ocean of worldly suffering. You bestow wealth and prosperity. I bow to you, Shailaputri.

You are the mother of the three worlds, giving supreme bliss. You bestow good fortune and health. I bow to you, Shailaputri.

You are the goddess of all creation, destroying great delusion. You give liberation and worldly enjoyment. I bow to you, Shailaputri.

Shloka to Word Meaning

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**प्रथम दुर्गा त्वंहि भवसागरः तारणीम्।
धन ऐश्वर्य दायिनी शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥
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Prathama Durga Tvamhi Bhavasagarah Taranim।
Dhana Aishwarya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham॥

You are the first Durga, the savior from the ocean of worldly suffering. You bestow wealth and prosperity. I bow to you, Shailaputri.

• प्रथम (Pratham): The first

• दुर्गा (Durgā): Goddess Durga

• त्वंहि (Tvaṃ hi): You alone

• भवसागरः (Bhavasāgaraḥ): The ocean of existence / the worldly ocean

• तारणीम् (Tāraṇīm): The one who saves / liberates

• धन (Dhana): Wealth

• ऐश्वर्य (Aishwarya): Prosperity / opulence

• दायिनी (Dāyinī): Bestower / giver

• शैलपुत्री (Shailaputrī): Daughter of the mountains

• प्रणमाम्यहम् (Praṇamāmyaham): I bow to you / I offer my salutation

त्रिलोजननी त्वंहि परमानन्द प्रदीयमान्।
सौभाग्यरोग्य दायिनी शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥

Trilojanani Tvamhi Paramananda Pradiyaman।
Saubhagyarogya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham॥

You are the mother of the three worlds, giving supreme bliss. You bestow good fortune and health. I bow to you, Shailaputri.

• त्रिलोजननी (Trilojenī): Mother of the three worlds

  • त्रि (Tri): Three

  • लोका (Lokā): Worlds (earth, heaven, and the netherworld)

• त्वंहि (Tvaṃ hi): You alone

• परमानन्द (Paramananda): Supreme bliss

• प्रदीयमान् (Pradīyamān): Being given / bestowed

• सौभाग्य (Saubhāgya): Auspiciousness / good fortune

• रोग्य (Rogya): Health

• दायिनी (Dāyinī): Bestower

• शैलपुत्री (Shailaputrī): Daughter of the mountains

• प्रणमाम्यहम् (Praṇamāmyaham): I bow to you

चराचरेश्वरी त्वंहि महामोह विनाशिनीं।
मुक्ति भुक्ति दायिनीं शैलपुत्री प्रणमाम्यहम्॥

Charachareshwari Tvamhi Mahamoha Vinashinim।
Mukti Bhukti Dayinim Shailaputri Pranamamyaham॥

• चराचरेश्वरी (Charācharēśvarī): The goddess of all beings (moving and non-moving)

  • चरा (Charā): Moving beings

  • अचरा (Achara): Non-moving beings

• त्वंहि (Tvaṃ hi): You alone

• महामोह (Mahāmoha): Great delusion / ignorance

• विनाशिनीं (Vināśinīm): The one who destroys

• मुक्ति (Mukti): Liberation

• भुक्ति (Bhukti): Enjoyment / worldly pleasures

• दायिनीं (Dāyinīṃ): Bestower

• शैलपुत्री (Shailaputṛī): Daughter of the mountains

• प्रणमाम्यहम् (Praṇamāmyaham): I bow to you

Kavacha

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Shloka

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ॐकारः में शिरः पातु मूलाधार निवासिनी।
हींकारः पातु ललाटे बीजरूपा महेश्वरी॥
श्रींकार पातु वदने लावण्या महेश्वरी।
हुंकार पातु हृदयम् तारिणी शक्ति स्वघृत।
फट्कार पातु सर्वाङ्गे सर्व सिद्धि फलप्रदा॥

Omkarah Mein Shirah Patu Muladhara Nivasini।
Himkarah Patu Lalate Bijarupa Maheshwari॥
Shrimkara Patu Vadane Lavanya Maheshwari।
Humkara Patu Hridayam Tarini Shakti Swaghrita।
Phatkara Patu Sarvange Sarva Siddhi Phalaprada॥

Meaning

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May the sound Om protect my head, O Goddess who resides in the Muladhara chakra.

May the sound Hreem protect my forehead, O Great Goddess in the form of the seed mantra.

May the sound Shreem protect my face, O Beautiful Great Goddess.

May the sound Hum protect my heart, O Savior Divine Energy, with pure spiritual growth.

May the sound Phat protect all my limbs, O Bestower of spiritual accomplishments and rewards.

Shloka to Word Meaning

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ॐकारः में शिरः पातु मूलाधार निवासिनी।

Omkarah Mein Shirah Patu Muladhara Nivasini

May the sound Om protect my head, O Goddess who resides in the Muladhara chakra.

• ॐकारः (Omkāraḥ): May the sound of “Om”

  • ॐ (Om): The sacred syllable representing the ultimate reality.

  • कारः (Kāraḥ): Sound / vibration.

• में (Me): In me / my

  • Indicates possession or association.

• शिरः (Śiraḥ): Head

  • Referring to the top part of the body.

• पातु (Pātu): May protect / guard

  • A plea for protection.

• मूलाधार (Mūlādhāra): Root chakra

  • The energy center located at the base of the spine.

• निवासिनी (Nivāsinī): Residing / dwelling

  • Indicates presence in a particular place.

हींकारः पातु ललाटे बीजरूपा महेश्वरी॥

Himkarah Patu Lalate Bijarupa Maheshwari॥

May the sound Hreem protect my forehead, O Great Goddess in the form of the seed mantra.

Word by Word Meaning:

• हींकारः (Hīṃkāraḥ): May the sound “Hīm”

  • Represents a specific seed sound.

• पातु (Pātu): May protect / guard (repeated)

  • A plea for protection.

• ललाटे (Lalāṭe): On the forehead

  • Refers to the area between the eyebrows.

• बीजरूपा (Bījārūpā): In the form of a seed

  • Refers to the essence or origin.

• महेश्वरी (Maheśvarī): Great Goddess / Divine Mother

  • A title for a powerful feminine deity.

**श्रींकार पातु वदने लावण्या महेश्वरी।
**

Shrimkara Patu Vadane Lavanya Maheshwari।

May the sound Shreem protect my face, O Beautiful Great Goddess.

• श्रींकार (Śrīṃkāra): May the sound “Shri”

  • Represents auspiciousness and prosperity.

• पातु (Pātu): May protect / guard (repeated)

  • A plea for protection.

• वदने (Vadane): In the mouth / face

  • Referring to the facial area.

• लावण्या (Lāvaṇyā): Grace / beauty

  • Signifying elegance and charm.

• महेश्वरी (Maheśvarī): Great Goddess / Divine Mother (repeated)

  • A title for a powerful feminine deity.

हुंकार पातु हृदयम् तारिणी शक्ति स्वघृत।

**
Humkara Patu Hridayam Tarini Shakti Swaghrita।
**

May the sound Hum protect my heart, O Savior Divine Energy, with pure spiritual growth.

• हुंकार (Huṃkāra): May the sound “Huṃ”

  • Represents a specific seed sound.

• पातु (Pātu): May protect / guard (repeated)

  • A plea for protection.

• हृदयम् (Hṛdayam): Heart

• • The center of emotions and feelings.

• तारिणी (Tāriṇī): The one who saves / liberates

• • Referring to a protective aspect.

• शक्ति (Śakti): Power / energy

• • Represents divine feminine energy.

• स्वघृत (Svagṛta): Of my own essence / nature

  • Indicates intrinsic quality.

फट्कार पातु सर्वाङ्गे सर्व सिद्धि फलप्रदा॥

Phatkara Patu Sarvange Sarva Siddhi Phalaprada॥

May the sound Phat protect all my limbs, O Bestower of spiritual accomplishments and rewards.

• फट्कार (Phaṭkāra): May the sound “Phaṭ”

  • Represents a specific seed sound.

• पातु (Pātu): May protect / guard (repeated)

  • A plea for protection.

• सर्वाङ्गे (Sarvāṅge): In all parts of the body

  • Referring to the entirety of the physical form.

• सर्व (Sarva): All

  • Indicates completeness.

• सिद्धि (Siddhi): Accomplishment / success

  • Refers to spiritual or material achievements.

• फलप्रदा (Phalapradā): Bestower of results / fruits

  • Indicates granting the outcomes of efforts.

In the upcoming days, we will explore more about each form of goddess shakti. We will delve into the powers and significance of each day in this festival.

Let’s enjoy the beautiful festival with the buzzing and divine energy around. Let’s remove negativity and spread positivity among us, and then the people around us. Let’s celebrate the spiritual empowerment with whole heart in the atmosphere buzzing with dance and music.

Share your experiences in the comments about Navratri, how you feel when the festival is in full bloom around you.

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References:

• Shailputri Pujan Mantras

• Shailputri Mantra, Prarthana, Stuti, Dhyana, Stotra, Kavacha, Aarti: Drikpanchang

• Muladhar Chakra

• Muladhar Chakra as a first chakra formed in foetus