Navratri 2023 Day 1: Puja Vidhi and bhog to offer Maa Shailputri

The holy nine days of Shardiya Navratri begin today. It falls in autumn in the lunar month of Ashwin. Devotees commemorate Maa Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura during this time. The nine forms of Maa Durga worshipped during Navratri are Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri.The first day of the Navratri festival is known as Pratipada, and the day is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, who is described in the scriptures as the daughter of mountains. She descends on a bull (nandi) and carries a trident and lotus in her hands. She also wears a moon on her forehead. She loves jasmine flower and it is suggested that to worship her with fresh jasmine flowers along with dhoop, agarbatti, and kumkum. She is believed to be the provider of prosperity.
Maa Shailputri Puja Mantra
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailputrim Yashavinim

Puja vidhi
As per Panchang, the rituals begin with Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana, and the kalash is filled with water, coins, supari, and doob. People also place a pan with mud and navadhanya seeds. During the puja, devotees install a pot at a sanctified place at home. They light a diya for nine days near the pot as well. The Goddess is worshipped with fresh jasmine flowers, dhoop, agarbati, and laal chunari.
Also read:The detailed Puja vidhi, and bhogs offered to the nine goddesses
Bhog to be offered
It is said that bhog of sabudana khichdi made with desi ghee or kalakand should be offered to the goddess. Here is the simplest Sabudana Khichdi recipe that one can make at home.

Ingredients required
Sabudana, 1 cup
Ghee, 2 tbsp
Green Chilli, 1
Cumin Seeds, 1 tbsp
Sendha Namak to taste
Peanuts, 4 tbsp
Black pepper to taste
Coriander Leaves, 1 tsp
Method
Wash and soak the sabudana pearls overnight. Heat ghee in a kadhai, add cumin and green chili, and let them crackle. Now, add the pearls and sauté until they turn translucent. Add salt, pepper, and roasted peanuts. Mix well, garnish with coriander leaves, and offer the bhog to the deity.

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