Shailaputri is the first of the navadurgA series.

After Sati burns Herself during the dakSha yAga, shivA goes into a deep meditative state. Sati is born again to Himavan (hima parvat) and mEnA and named as pArvatI. She is also called haimAvati (daughter of himavAn) and shailaputrI (daughter of stone/mountain). The meditative form for shailaputri is a beautiful goddess riding the riShabhA (nandi), sporting a trishUlA in one hand and a lotus in the other.

What is the significance of shailaputrI ?

There are several meanings behind the various forms of durgAs. This particular category of navadurgA is special because of its mention in the canDI kavacam. Any tantra shAstrA representation can have multiple layers of meanings that are applicable to the different states of sAdhAks in their spiritual process. One simple representation is that this nava durgA series depicts the story of pArvati at various stages. The first being her birth to himavAn and hence shailaputrI. Hence this form represents the birth.

Another interesting meaning of these forms is its representation of the spiritual process using tantra/yogA path. shailaputrI represents the Asana siddhi. The ability of the sAdhakA to sit like a rock for hours. Meditating on this form and the mantra bestows this Asana siddhi to the sAdhakA and she rules the mUlAdhAra cakrA. Further details should be learnt from ones own Guru.

shailaputryambA shrI pAdukAM pUjayAmi namaH

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