Navaratri - The Journey Within: Awakening Self-Discovery and Awareness

Navaratri begins with the worship of Devi Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains. She represents the grounding essence of stability, strength, and the first steps on a spiritual journey. Her image as seated gracefully on a bull, holding a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other is not just symbolic of divine power but also of the inner foundation we must build to walk through life with clarity and strength.

Culturally, Devi Shailaputri signifies beginnings. Just as the mountains stand tall, unmoved, and deeply rooted, she reminds us that any journey whether spiritual or psychological starts with grounding oneself. Before we chase goals, overcome fears, or achieve success, we must know who we are.

This is where psychology beautifully meets tradition. The first day of Navaratri encourages us to turn inward, to pause and ask: Who am I beneath the noise of society, expectations, and daily roles?

Self-Discovery: The First Step Toward Well-Being

Self-awareness is described as the ability to observe your own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors with clarity. It is often said that “awareness is the first step to change,” and this could not be more true. Without awareness, we move through life on autopilot, reacting to situations, repeating old patterns, and feeling disconnected from our inner selves.

Self-discovery is not about finding something entirely new but rather uncovering what has always been there - your values, strengths, fears, and desires. It is like peeling the layers of an onion until you meet the authentic self at the core.

Think of Devi Shailaputri’s mountain symbolism here: the higher the mountain, the deeper its roots must be. Similarly, to reach higher states of well-being, we must first strengthen our inner foundation.

Why Self-Awareness Matters

From a psychological perspective, self-awareness plays a powerful role in:

  • Emotional Regulation: When you are aware of your triggers and emotions, you are less likely to be overwhelmed by them.
  • Better Decision-Making: Knowing your values helps you choose paths that align with who you are, rather than who others expect you to be.
  • Authentic Relationships: Self-awareness allows us to communicate openly and honestly, creating deeper bonds.
  • Resilience: Just like mountains weather storms, awareness helps us stand firm during life’s uncertainties.

“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.- Carl Jung ” Devi Shailaputri’s day calls us to awaken.

Practical Ways to Embrace Shailaputri’s Energy

  • Mindfulness Practice: Spend 10 minutes observing your breath and noticing your thoughts. Watch them come and go like passing clouds without judgment.
  • Journaling: Write down three emotions you felt today and what triggered them. Over time, patterns emerge that reveal your inner landscape.
  • Values Check-In: List five things most important to you in life. Then reflectare,  your daily choices aligned with these values?
  • Nature Connection: Just as Shailaputri symbolizes the mountains, grounding yourself in nature walking barefoot on grass, watching a sunrise, can awaken stillness within.

Cultural Wisdom Meets Psychology

On this first day of Navaratri, as lamps are lit and prayers offered to Devi Shailaputri, there is an unspoken invitation to light the lamp within ourselves too. Culture provides us the rituals, the music, the colors but psychology provides us the tools to translate those into mental well-being.

In worshipping Shailaputri, we do not just bow to an external goddess; we also honor the mountain within us - the resilience, the quiet strength, and the rooted awareness that allows us to face life with balance.

Closing Reflection

Navaratri is not merely about devotion, it is about transformation. Day 1 reminds us that before courage, discipline, or clarity, there must be awareness. Without it, even the most determined steps may lead us astray. So today, pause. Reflect. Ask yourself: What parts of me have I overlooked? What mountains within me are waiting to be discovered?

Like Devi Shailaputri, may we all begin our journeys grounded, self-aware, and ready to grow.

Written By : L. Padma Swathy

Counselling Psychologist, Chennai

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