Day 1 | Shailaputri & Bhuvaneshwari: Where Every Journey Begins

Navaratri begins with Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains. Her image, accompanied by the bull and the trident, evokes firmness, patience and the courage to begin.

For today's philosophical reflection, I am placing Shailaputri alongside Bhuvaneshwari, one of the ten Mahavidyas. Her name means the Sovereign of the Worlds; she is associated with the vast space in which life and experience unfold.

The two images suggest an intriguing balance. Mountains remind us of foundations. Cosmic space reminds us of possibilities. A meaningful journey needs both: something that anchors us and room to grow beyond what we already know.

We often equate progress with constant movement. But roots matter as much as ambition. In study, work and everyday life, a stable inner foundation allows us to respond to uncertainty without losing our direction.