Navratri Day 9: The nine-day festival of Navratri holds great significance in the Indian culture, as it celebrates the power of the feminine divine. During these nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, also known as Navadurga. On the ninth and final day of Navratri, we worship Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Navadurga, who is believed to bestow her devotees with perfection, wisdom, and spiritual knowledge. This day marks the end of the nine-day festival, and it is believed that worshipping Maa Siddhidatri on this day can bring one closer to the ultimate creation and existence, helping to destroy ignorance and achieve a sense of ultimate fulfillment.
Navratri Day 9: Who is Maa Siddhidatri?
Siddhi means supernatural power, and Dhatri means the giver. Maa Siddhidatri is the goddess who bestows her devotees with perfection, wisdom and spiritual knowledge. She is believed to possess Ashta Siddhi, which means eight types of supernatural powers that can help one achieve a sense of ultimate creation and existence. The goddess is also known to remove ignorance from one’s life.
According to the legend, It is believed that Lord Shiva, who is known as the destroyer of evil, had worshipped AdiParashakti, the supreme goddess, at the beginning of the universe. As a result, the goddess appeared from the left half of Shiva, which glorified him as Ardhanariswar, the half-male and half-female form of Lord Shiva. The eight Siddhis that Maa Siddhidatri bestowed upon Lord Shiva are considered to be supernatural powers that can help one achieve a sense of ultimate creation and existence. These Siddhis include Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakyamya, Inshitva, and Vashitva, which are believed to bring various abilities to the person possessing them. The legend of Lord Shiva and Maa Siddhidatri serves as a testament to the power and significance of the feminine divine, which is celebrated during the Navratri festival.
The Worship of Maa Siddhidatri
Maa Siddhidatri is depicted as being seated on a lotus or a lion, holding a conch shell, a mace, a lotus, and a discus in each of her four arms. She is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri, and her blessings are believed to bring spiritual wisdom and destroy ignorance.
The story of Maa Siddhidatri’s origin dates back to the creation of the universe, when it was a deep void filled with darkness and no sign of life. Goddess Kushmanda created the universe with the radiance of her smile and went on to create the Trimurti of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. When Lord Shiva asked Maa Kushmanda to bestow him with perfection, she created Maa Siddhidatri, who bestowed Lord Shiva with 18 types of perfection, including the Ashta Siddhi and 10 secondary forms of perfection, as described by Lord Krishna.
Maa Siddhidatri not only bestowed perfection upon Lord Shiva but also helped Lord Brahma with the creation of the universe. When Lord Brahma required a man and a woman for creation, he prayed to Maa Siddhidatri, who converted half of Lord Shiva’s body into a woman’s body. This is why Lord Shiva is also known as Ardhanarishwar, which means half-woman Lord.
Conclusion
Navratri Day 9, which is also known as Maha Navami, marks the end of the nine-day Navratri festival. It is believed that worshipping Maa Siddhidatri on this day can bring one closer to the ultimate creation and existence and can help destroy ignorance. The day is believed to be a significant occasion for spiritual growth and enlightenment, and those who observe this day with devotion are said to be blessed with the power of the goddess. As we celebrate this day, let us remember the power of the feminine divine and seek Maa Siddhidatri’s blessings to help us achieve perfection and wisdom in our lives.
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