India, Sept. 22 -- Navratri has come earlier this year, with the festive stretch officially kickstarting today, Monday, September 22. While the revelry bit of festive season may take a few more days to completely seep into the air (and our routines!), the first few days of Navratri are the perfect time to steep your soul in some spirituality. And day 1 of the Navratras in this regard, stands dedicated to Maa Shailputri.

According to the Shiva Purana, Maa Shailputri is the daughter of King Himavat, the ruler of the Himalayas. Her name, 'Shailputri', literally means 'daughter of the mountains' - with 'shaila' meaning mountain and 'putri' meaning daughter. In her previous life, she was Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva. Sati had married Sh...