Sharadiya Navratri commences today, a time for the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The festival, celebrated annually on the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashvin, is a period of profound devotion. The first day is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, revered as the daughter of the Himalayas and the initial form of Durga. It is believed that starting Navratri with the Ghatasthapana and then worshiping Maa Shailputri brings great fortune. The auspicious timings for Ghatasthapana today are between 6:08 AM and 8:06 AM, with the Abhijit Muhurat from 11:49 AM to 12:38 PM. For the puja, devotees should offer white clothes, roli, akshat, sindoor, incense, lamps, and flowers to the goddess. Red hibiscus or any white flowers are considered especially auspicious. The recitation of the mantras ‘Sarva Mangalya Mangalye…’ and ‘Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu…’ is recommended. The article also includes the Aarti of Maa Shailputri, intended to seek blessings and invoke her divine presence.
