'Shailputri Devi' worshipped nationwide on first day of Navratri

Dhangadhi: On the first day of Navratri, devotees across Nepal worshipped Shailputri, the first goddess of the Navadurga, by placing a Jamara in their homes.

Following the ritual installation of Ghatasthapana in the puja room or Dashain house, devotees invoked and worshipped Shailputri Devi, regarded as the first among the nine forms of Goddess Durga. According to Puranas such as Kavach and Markandeya, Shailputri is the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, born as the daughter of Giriraj Himalaya. She is revered as the goddess of all.

The scriptures mention that Shailputri Devi was born after being pleased by the penance and prayers of the Himalayas. Marking the beginning of Navratri, devotees have been thronging Shaktipeeths across the country since morning to offer prayers and worship.