Varanasi: Devotees throng Maa Shailputri temple on 1st day of Chaitra Navratri

Devotees throng Maa Shailputri temple in Varanasi on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. 'Shailputri' is one of the forms of goddess 'Durga' who is being worshipped by Hindus on the first day of Navratri.

Varanasi: On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees thronged the Maa Shailputri temple at Alaipur area in Varanasi and had a glimpse of the holy goddess.

'Shailputri' is one of the forms of goddess 'Durga' who is being worshipped by Hindus on the first day of Navratri.

From early morning today, devotees thronged the Maa Shailputri temple to seek blessings of the almighty. Rituals began here with 'Kalash Sthapana' on the first day of Navratri.

Nine temples in Varanasi are dedicated to nine different 'avatars' (incarnations) of Goddess Durga, namely Shailputri, Chandraghata, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidaatri. Devotees visit these temples during Navratri and worship one on each day.

Goddess Durga is named as 'Shailputri' as she was born in the family of the King of Mountains known as Himalaya. She holds a Trisul on the right hand and a lotus on the left. She rides on mount Nandi bull.

It is believed that the devotees who observe fast and perform pujas during these nine days get blessings of the goddess.

Chaitra Navratri is being observed from April 6 to 14 this year.