The ninth form of Goddess Durga, Maa Siddhidatri, is venerated on the final day of the Navratri festival, known as Maha Navami. Revered as the embodiment of spiritual wisdom and supernatural powers, she is closely associated with the colors orange and pink. Devotees believe that wearing these colors while worshipping her brings prosperity, abundance, and inner strength.
Maha Navami: A Significant Celebration
Maha Navami, which falls on October 1 this year, is considered one of the most significant days of the nine-day Navratri festival. On this day, devotees honor Maa Siddhidatri, marking the culmination of the Navratri celebrations. In Bengal, however, the fourth day of Durga Puja coincides with the Navami festivities.
Navami Date and Timing:
Navami Tithi Begins: September 30, 2025, at 06:06 PM
Navami Tithi Ends: October 1, 2025, at 07:01 PM
Significance of Maha Navami
Maha Navami celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Throughout the nine days of Navratri, devotees worship the nine different forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga. On the final day, prayers are offered to Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth and last manifestation of Durga.
Who is Maa Siddhidatri?
Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga, is believed to grant her devotees spiritual powers, known as Siddhis. According to Hindu mythology, after Lord Rudra created the universe, he invoked Adi-Parashakti, the supreme Goddess of Power. She manifested as Maa Siddhidatri from the left half of Lord Shiva, thus forming the divine entity of Ardha-Narishwar.
Maa Siddhidatri governs the planet Ketu and is said to bless her devotees with energy, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. She is also revered for granting the eight Siddhis, which include: Anima (ability to become tiny), Mahima (ability to become large), Prapti (ability to attain anything), Prakamya (ability to fulfill any desire), Garima (ability to become heavy), Laghima (ability to become light), Ishitva (ability to control), and Vashitva (ability to control others).
She is regarded as the remover of ignorance and the giver of clarity, bestowing wisdom on her worshippers. Depicted seated on a lotus and riding a lion, Maa Siddhidatri holds a mace and Sudarshan chakra in her right hands, with a lotus and conch shell in her left. Her divine presence is adored not only by Gandharvas, Yakshas, and Siddhas, but also by Asuras, who are said to be drawn to her power.
Rituals and Offerings for Navami Puja
On the day of Navami, devotees are advised to wake up early and begin the day with a holy bath (mahasnan). After dressing in clean, new clothes, the idol of Maa Durga and Maa Siddhidatri should be bathed with Gangajal (sacred water). Offerings of white garments, sweets, dry fruits, fruits, and white flowers are made to honor the goddess.
Maa Siddhidatri is particularly fond of Night-Blooming Jasmine (Raat Ki Rani) and seasonal fruits. She also enjoys offerings of dishes like pudi, kheer, chana, coconut, and halwa. Devotees can present these items as offerings to please her.
In addition to worshipping Maa Siddhidatri, devotees also perform Kanya Pujan (Kanjak), a ritual of honoring young girls, on the Navami day. This act holds great significance and is considered a form of respect to the goddess.
Mantras and Prayers for Maa Siddhidatri on Navami
Devotees can chant the following mantras and prayers to invoke Maa Siddhidatri’s blessings:
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah
Siddha Gandharva Yakshadyairasurairamarairapi
Sevyamana Sada Bhuyat Siddhida Siddhidayini
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Siddhidatri Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Kanchanabha Shankhachakragadapadmadhara Mukatojvalo
Smeramukhi Shivapatni Siddhidatri Namoastute
Patambara Paridhanam Nanalankara Bhushitam
Nalisthitam Nalanarkshi Siddhidatri Namoastute
Paramanandamayi Devi Parabrahma Paramatma
Paramashakti, Paramabhakti, Siddhidatri Namoastute
Vishvakarti, Vishvabharti, Vishvaharti, Vishvaprita
Vishva Varchita, Vishvatita Siddhidatri Namoastute
Bhuktimuktikarini Bhaktakashtanivarini
Bhavasagara Tarini Siddhidatri Namoastute
Dharmarthakama Pradayini Mahamoha Vinashinim
Mokshadayini Siddhidayini Siddhidatri Namoastute
As the final day of Navratri approaches, devotees across the country come together to seek the blessings of Maa Siddhidatri for a prosperous and spiritually fulfilling life.
