Navratri Day 1 : Maa Shailputri – The Goddess Who Teaches Us Courage
Veda is excited for Navratri, but a new challenge suddenly makes her nervous. Can Maa Shailputri's lesson of courage help her face her biggest fear?
In this story
“Mom, why are you wearing orange today?” asked eight-year-old Veda.
“Because today is the first day of Navratri!” Mother replied.
“But why is the first day special?”
Mother smiled. “Today, we worship Maa Shailputri. Let me tell you why!”
Who Is Maa Shailputri?
Mother showed Veda a picture of Maa Shailputri.
She was riding a white bull, holding a trident and a lotus.
“Wow! Who is she?” Veda asked.
“Maa Shailputri is the daughter of the mountains. Her name means Daughter of the Mountain.”
“Is she strong like a mountain?” Veda asked.
“Yes! Just as mountains stand strong during storms, Maa Shailputri teaches us to be brave during difficult times.”
“But why do we worship her first?”
“Because Navratri is a new beginning. We pray to Maa Shailputri for strength and courage to start something good.”
Why Do We Wear Orange and Perform Puja?
“Then why are you wearing orange?” Veda asked.
“Orange is our colour for today! It reminds us of energy, happiness, and courage.”
Veda quickly put on her orange dress.
“Now I'm ready for Navratri too!”
Mother laughed.
Together, they decorated their prayer space with flowers.
Mother placed a Kalash, a sacred pot filled with water, near Maa Shailputri's picture.
“What is this pot for?” Veda asked.
“Placing this pot is called Kalash Sthapana. It marks the beginning of Navratri and reminds us of life and blessings.”
They lit a diya and prayed together.
Veda Learns to Be Brave
Suddenly, Veda looked worried.
“Mom, tomorrow is my first dance class. What if I cannot dance?”
Mother smiled.
“Remember Maa Shailputri. Be strong like a mountain. Even if something is difficult, keep trying!”
The next day, Veda went to dance class.
She missed a step and almost fell.
But she remembered her mother's words.
She tried again.
And this time, she did it!
That evening, Veda happily told her mother, “I was scared, but I didn't give up!”
Mother hugged her.
“That's what Maa Shailputri teaches us!”
Veda smiled. “I can't wait to learn about tomorrow's Goddess!”
Today's Colour: Orange
Orange represents energy, happiness, and courage in the colour tradition followed in this story. Navratri colours may differ by year and tradition.
Moral of the Story
Be brave, keep trying, and never give up!
Quick quiz
Test what you learned from this story.