Significance of Maa Shailaputri, Her Symbols & Teaching

Chaitra Navratri is a celebration of the Goddess and all Her nine forms. The festival is celebrated in the spring, culminating in the celebration of Ram Navami, or the celebration of Lord Ram’s birth. The first day of this festival is dedicated to Maa Shailaputri, or the “Daughter of the Mountains.”

Maa Shailaputri was reborn from her previous of Sati, Lord Shiva’s wife who sacrificed her life after her father insulted her husband. In her next life, she was born as Maa Shailaputri, a form of Maa Parvati. She is said to be the manifestation of the powers of Brahma, Vishnu, & Shiva. She is a goddess of immense power, beauty, and wisdom, embodying the energy of creation, protection, and spiritual ascension.

Symbols of Maa Shailaputri: Trident, Lotus, and Nandi

Adorned with very few ornaments and dressed in a red & pink saree, Maa Shailaputri holds a trident in one hand & a lotus in the other. She is depicted sitting on Nandi, Shiva’s white bull.

The trident is a symbol of the three gunas – Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance). The trident represents the past, present, and future, and Shailaputri uses it to protect and guide her devotees. It is a reminder that, as we go through life, we must find harmony among these three forces in order to attain spiritual balance and enlightenment.

The lotus, growing in the muddy waters of life, stands as a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening. Just as a lotus blooms amidst the murky mud, so too can a devotee awaken their true spiritual nature amidst the challenges and struggles of life. The half-bloomed lotus also signifies that the journey toward spiritual enlightenment is ongoing – a continual process of growth, awakening, and transformation.

The Nandi, or the bull, is a symbol of determination. Nandi’s focus is always on Lord Shiva, as is Maa Shailaputri’s, as should her devotees. Nandi’s role is to remind the devotee that the journey to self-realization requires steadfast focus and devotion, much like the bull's loyalty and commitment to Lord Shiva.

Maa Shailaputri and the Muladhara Chakra

Maa Shailaputri is also revered as the Goddess of the Muladhara Chakra in yogic practices. She lives at the base of spine, the energy that houses the kundalini energy, all coiled up. This chakra is the foundation of our physical and spiritual existence, and its awakening marks the beginning of a devotee’s journey toward self-realization. The awakening of this chakra is the first step on the spiritual journey toward Shiva, symbolizing the connection between the individual and the divine. Maa Shailaputri guides and protects the devotee on this path, helping them tap into their highest self and transform their spiritual energy.

Conclusion:

Maa Shailaputri is the embodiment of divine energy, symbolizing the spiritual journey, determination, awakening, and transformation. She teaches us that the path to spiritual enlightenment requires patience, focus, and purity – qualities that are represented through the divine symbolism of the trident, lotus, and Nandi. As we honor her, we are reminded that the journey toward self-realization and union with the divine is not only possible but promised to those who stay committed to their spiritual path.

Shloka:

वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखरां
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्री यशस्विनीम् ॥
Vande Vaan.chita-Laabhaaya Candra-Ardha-Krta-Shekharaam
Vrssa-[A]aruuddhaam Shuula-Dharaam Shailaputrii Yashasviniim ||

Maa Shailaputri, presented by Shweta Pandya of Sur Sangat

Featured