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What is the story behind Goddess Shailaputri
What is the story behind Goddess Shailaputri – Shailputri is the first form of Goddess Durga, and her name means “daughter of the mountains”. According to Hindu mythology, the story of Shailputri goes as follows:
Once upon a time, there was a great king named Daksha. He had a daughter named Sati, who was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. Sati wanted to marry Lord Shiva, but Daksha did not approve of the match, as he did not believe that Lord Shiva was a suitable husband for his daughter.
Despite her father’s disapproval, Sati married Lord Shiva and went to live with him in the Himalayas. However, Daksha continued to harbor a grudge against Lord Shiva and did not invite him to an important yagna (sacrifice) that he was performing.
Sati was heartbroken when she learned that her father had not invited Lord Shiva to the yagna. She decided to go to the yagna anyway, against Lord Shiva’s wishes. When she arrived at the yagna, she was insulted by Daksha, who criticized Lord Shiva and his followers.
Unable to bear the insult, Sati immolated herself in the fire of the yagna. When Lord Shiva learned of Sati’s death, he was overcome with grief and anger. After her death, Lord Shiva went into deep meditation and renounced the world. Meanwhile, Sati was reborn as the daughter of the Himalayas, and she eventually reunited with Lord Shiva and became his consort once again.
Shailputri is depicted riding a bull and carrying a trident and a lotus. She is worshipped on the first day of Navratri, and is believed to symbolize the start of a new beginning and the triumph of good over evil.
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Goddess Durga Stories | Indian Mythology Stories
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