Sharadiya Navratri: Maa Siddhidatri

सिद्धगंधर्व यक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि ।

सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी ।।

On the ninth day of the sacred festival of Navratri, devotees worship the ninth and final form of Goddess Durga — Maa Siddhidatri. After performing the worship of the previous eight forms with devotion and proper rituals, seekers worship Maa Siddhidatri on Navami tithi. It is believed that sincere worship of the Goddess on this day fulfills all worldly and spiritual desires.

In fact, the reality is that the devotees who are blessed by Maa Siddhidatri no longer retain any worldly desire in their hearts. Rising above materialism, they remain absorbed in Her devotion and are freed from sorrows.

Form of the Goddess

According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva attained the form of Ardhanarishwar (half man, half woman) through the grace of Maa Siddhidatri.

The Goddess is depicted with four arms, seated on a lotus, and also riding a lion. In Her right hand, She holds a discus (chakra) and a lotus flower.

Method of Worship

On this day, worship of the Goddess should be performed with full rituals and deep devotion. As on the previous days of Navratri, the worship must be done according to scriptural injunctions. Maa Siddhidatri bestows all kinds of siddhis (spiritual powers) upon Her devotees.

As per Markandeya Purana, these siddhis are eight in number, while in Brahmavaivarta Purana they are said to be eighteen.

Devotees should place the idol or image of Maa Siddhidatri on a wooden platform and worship Her with proper offerings, mantras, and devotion.

Offering to the Goddess

Sanskrit Verse-

नवम्यां लाजमम्बायै चार्पयित्वा द्विजाय च ।

दत्वा सुखाधिको भूयादिह लोके परत्र च ।।

Meaning:- On Navami, after offering lava (parched grain) to Maa Bhagwati and also giving it in charity to a Brahmin, the devotee attains happiness in this world and beyond.

Importance of Worship

By worshiping Maa Siddhidatri with devotion, the devotee is uplifted, attains fame, honor in society, and is blessed with good progeny. Ultimately, the Goddess liberates the seeker and bestows divine grace. Shubham Bhavatu

(Dr Ashok Pandey,Spiritual Healer, Vastu Consultant and Astrologer Pune - +91-7574885030, +91-9425006196)