Maa Siddhidatri – The Ninth Aspect of Goddess Durga

Maa Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess Durga worshiped in Navaratri. The last among the nine forms of Maa Shakti is Goddess Siddhidatri who is worshiped on the ninth or final day of Navratri. ‘Siddhi’ is a Sanskrit term which means ‘perfection’. Goddess Siddhidatri has four arms. She holds a Chakra in her right lower hand and a mace in the upper. In the left lower hand there is a conch and in her upper left hand a lotus flower. She is seated on a lotus flower with the lion as her mount.

The Goddess Siddhidatri is capable of giving all sorts of occult powers and is also the possessor of 26 different wishes to grant her worshipers. All these achievements [Siddhi], which according to the Markandaye Purana:- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakaamya, Ishitva and Vashitva are 8 siddhis. As per the Brahmavaivart Purana there are 18 types of achievements which are Anima, Mahima, Garima, Ladhima, Prapti, Prakaamya, Ishitva,Vashitva, Sarvakaamaal, Saadhita, Sarvagynatva, DurShravana, Parkaayapraveshan, VakaSiddhi, Kalpavrushatva, Shrishti, Samharkaransaamarthya, Amaratva, Sarvanyayakatva, Bhavana and Siddhi.

Legend has it that the Supreme God Shiva got all these ‘siddhis’ by worshiping Maha Shakti. With her gratitude the half body of Shiva became that of the Goddess Shakti and therefore he also came to be called as ‘Ardhanarishvar’. Dev, Danav, Gandharva, Kinnar, Yaksh, Manav, all do worship Maa Siddhidaatri and attain achievements. Maa Durga removes ignorance and she provides the knowledge to realize That or Brahman. That is why She is surrounded by Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Demons and Gods who are worshiping her. The Siddhi that she provides is the realization that everything is Supreme Being or Brahman. If a “sadhaka” worships in the prescribed manner with his full faith he acquires all “Siddhis” and nothing remains unattainable from him in the universe.

Dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri form of Maa Durga the day is also observed as Mahanavami in many parts of the country. This form of Goddess Durga showers knowledge which makes each soul pure. People can wear Red, White color on this day. On the ninth day Pujan, Archan, Havan, etc of Mataji are performed. Ma Siddhidaatri can be pleased by chanting the above stated Mantra as many time. The Conch shell, Chakra, Mace and lotus in the four hands of Maa Siddhidaatri signifies that she is always anxious to help us.