The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri. This day is also celebrated as Ram Navami and Mahanavami. Devotees worship Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga, on this day. Along with the worship of the goddess, devotees also perform Kanya Puja, where young girls are worshipped and offered meals. It is believed that by doing so, the blessings of Goddess Durga remain upon the devotees. The special worship of Goddess Siddhidatri is performed on this day, and she is also known as Adi Shakti Bhagwati. According to religious beliefs, those who worship Goddess Siddhidatri with devotion attain spiritual powers (Siddhi) and eventually reach liberation (Moksha). This year, as the eighth (Ashtami) and ninth (Navami) days coincide, Kanya Puja will be conducted on the same day but during different auspicious times.
The Form of Goddess Siddhidatri
According to tradition, the form of Goddess Siddhidatri, who is worshipped on Navami, is resplendent, radiant, and symbolizes auspiciousness. The goddess is seated on a lion and sometimes depicted sitting on a lotus. She has four arms, holding a discus (chakra) in her lower right hand, a mace (gada) in the upper right hand, a conch (shankha) in her lower left hand, and a lotus flower in the upper left hand. The goddess is fond of purple and red colors. It is believed that with her grace, Lord Shiva attained the form of Ardhanarishvara, where half of his body became that of the goddess. Goddess Siddhidatri is also considered a form of Goddess Saraswati.
Worship Rituals of Goddess Siddhidatri
To perform the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri on Navami, devotees should bathe and wear clean clothes in the morning. The rituals begin with the worship of the Kalash (sacred pot) and invocation of all deities. Offer the goddess sacred items such as moli (holy thread), roli (vermilion), kumkum (red powder), flowers, and a chunari (scarf) as a symbol of devotion. Then, offer traditional foods like puri (fried bread), kheer (rice pudding), chana (chickpeas), halwa (sweet dish), and coconut to the goddess. Afterward, chant mantras dedicated to the goddess and conduct Kanya Puja by offering food to nine young girls and one boy.
The Legend of Goddess Siddhidatri
Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga, is believed to grant all kinds of supernatural powers (Siddhis). According to the Markandeya Purana, she possesses eight major Siddhis: Anima (reducing one’s size), Mahima (expanding one’s size), Garima (becoming heavy), Laghima (becoming light), Prapti (attaining any desired object), Prakamya (fulfillment of desires), Ishitva (absolute lordship), and Vashitva (control over others). According to ancient legend, Lord Shiva performed rigorous penance to please Goddess Siddhidatri and was blessed with all eight Siddhis. It was due to her grace that half of Shiva’s body transformed into that of the goddess, and he came to be known as Ardhanarishvara. Among the nine forms of Goddess Durga, this form is considered immensely powerful. It is believed that this form of the goddess emerged from the collective radiance of all the gods. As described in the legend, when the demon Mahishasura’s tyranny became unbearable, the gods approached Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu for help. From the combined divine energy of the gods, a radiant power manifested, known as Goddess Siddhidatri.
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