The Nav Durga - Nine Forms of Goddess

Shailaputri

Shailaputri

The first manifestation of Durga is Goddess Shailputri. According to scriptures, she holds a trishul and a lotus in her hands, and rides a bull called Nandi. As per Shivpurana, Goddess Shailputri in her previous birth was born to Daksha Prajapati, and was named ‘Sati’. Deeply devoted to Lord Shiva ever since her childhood, Sati meditated earnestly to beget Lord Shiva as her consort. Lord Shiva bestowed upon her the desired boon and accepted her as her consort. The union was not accepted well by Sati’s father Daksha Prajapati, who insulted Shiva by not inviting him in one of his special gatherings. Infuriated upon the humiliation meted out to her husband, Sati immolated herself and sacrificed her life in honour of her husband. In her next birth Sati was born as a daughter to Himalaya, the Lord of Mountains and thus, was called Shailputri. Sailputri is also worshiped as Parvati or Hemvati. The first day of Navratra is dedicated to worshiping Shailputri.

Start your day with these simple yoga poses

1. Vajrasana:

Vajrasana is the magical yoga asana that helps us melt the belly fat. Vajrasana helps better blood circulation in the body. It modifies the blood flow by reducing the blood flow in lower portion, especially in the legs and increasing blood flow to the digestive organs resulting to efficiency of the digestive system. People with weak digestion are benefited. Better digestion checks acidity and ulcers.

2. Mandukasana:

It is one of the important yoga poses to give appropriate massage to the abdominal organs. It is helpful to make your stomach flat by burning the extra fats from the belly. It increases the insulin secretion and it is beneficial for curing diabetes

3. Balasana:

Balasana is a very easy to perform yoga asana which is why it is one of the most commonly recommended yoga postures for beginners. Balasana is a curve or bend pose, which extends and discharges the spine and lower back. It also promotes blood circulation throughtout the body.

4. Gomukhasana:

This asana targets your hips and your shoulders – two of the most common sites for chronic pain and tension in the body. Stretches your hips, thighs, ankles and chest, shoulders, inner armpits

5. Dhanurasana:

It is best to practice yoga first thing in the morning. Dhanurasana gives the entire back a good stretch, thus imparting flexibility as well as strength to the back.This also helps in reducing fat around belly area.

6. Sukhasana:

Sukhasana is very simple to perform for people of all ages and levels of physical wellness. Sukhasana yoga stance is known as a simple stance and comfortable Asana. It is an excellent pose for beginners and for those who have a very stiff body. It strengthens lower back and hip opener. Read more for the benefits of sukhasana here.

Vajrasana

Mandukasana

Balasana

Gomukhasana

Sukhasana

Dhanurasana