Maa Shailputri: The Goddess of Strength and Confidence - Day 1 Navratri

Story

Maa Shailputri Mantra

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता।

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥ 

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। 

नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

One day a little boy named Ravi was feeling very sad because he was afraid to go to school. He was scared because he had to give a speech in front of his whole class the next day. He didn’t feel confident and was worried he might forget what to say or make a mistake. This made him even more nervous.

Seeing him so upset, his mother sat down beside him and asked, "Why are you so sad, Ravi?"

Ravi replied, "Mom, I'm really scared about the speech tomorrow. What if I mess up in front of everyone?"

His mother smiled and gently said, "Ravi, don’t worry. When we feel scared or nervous, we can always ask for help. Why don’t you pray to Maa Shailputri?"

He asked his mom, "Mom, who is Maa Shailputri, and why should I pray to her? Will it really help me?"

His mother smiled and said, "Maa Shailputri is a kind goddess who gives courage and strength to anyone who believes in her. She helps people feel brave and confident, just like you need to be for your speech. She is one of the nine forms of Maa Durga, worshipped during the festival of Navaratri. The first day of Navratri is dedicated to her. Let me tell you more about her."

Once upon a time, there was a sweet and caring little girl named Shailputri. She was the daughter of the King of the Mountains, Himalaya. She is the child form of Maa Parvati, representing the early and innocent stage of her life.

Her name "Shailputri" meant daughter of the mountains (Shail - mountain, Putri - daughter). She loved spending time in the beautiful hills and valleys near her home.

Though she was young, Shailputri was very wise and brave. She always helped others and was never afraid to stand up for what was right. She had a special friend—a white bull—that she loved to ride, and wherever she went, she carried a lotus flower in one hand and a small trident (trishul) in the other, which showed how strong she was inside.

Everyone who met Shailputri felt calm and safe around her. She had a magical way of making people feel brave, even when they were scared. People would often come to her for advice and comfort, and Shailputri would remind them to believe in themselves.

Ravi listened carefully, feeling a little more hopeful. "Maybe if I pray to her, I won’t be so scared," he said softly.

Later that night, Ravi sat down, closed his eyes, and prayed to Maa Shailputri. As he slept, he had a dream. In the dream, Maa Shailputri appeared, looking kind and calm. She smiled at Ravi and said, "Don’t worry, Ravi. I’m with you. Just believe in yourself, and you will feel strong."

When Ravi woke up the next morning, he felt full of energy. He went to school with confidence and gave his speech without any fear. From that day on, Ravi always remembered Maa Shailputri’s message: Believe in yourself, and you will be strong.