Ninth Navratri Day | Worship of Goddess Siddhidatri

Ninth Navratri Day: Worship of Goddess Siddhidatri

On September 30, 2025, the final and most significant day of the Navratri festival, devotees dedicate their prayers to Goddess Siddhidatri. She is the ninth and final form of the Navdurga, and her worship on this day marks the culmination of the nine-day spiritual journey. The name Siddhidatri is a powerful combination of two Sanskrit words: Siddhi meaning 'supernatural power' or 'meditative ability,' and Datri meaning 'giver' or 'bestower.' As her name suggests, she is the giver of all spiritual and material boons, and her blessings are considered the final reward for a devotee's unwavering faith and devotion during the festival.

The Divine Origin and Radiant Appearance of Maa Siddhidatri

The origin of Goddess Siddhidatri is a tale of cosmic creation and divine grace. Before the universe came into existence, a vast expanse of darkness filled the cosmos. There was no form or life, and the world was an abyss of nothingness. It was then that the divine, in its unmanifested form, began to emerge from the void. The great goddess, the ultimate form of power, manifested herself as Siddhidatri, with a gentle, serene smile. It is said that at her command, the formless universe took shape. She created Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma and bestowed upon them the knowledge and the divine powers (siddhis) to create, preserve, and destroy the universe. She is the supreme goddess who resides on the highest plane of spiritual reality, from which all other goddesses and divine powers emanate.

Goddess Siddhidatri is depicted in a very benevolent and divine form. She is shown with a calm, peaceful expression, sitting gracefully on a lotus flower. She has four hands: her upper right hand holds a Chakra (Sudarshan Chakra), a symbol of her supreme authority and the cyclical nature of time; her upper left hand holds a Mace (Gada), representing her power to destroy all negativity and evil; her lower right hand holds a Conch (Shankha), which symbolizes her ability to create and bring forth auspiciousness; and her lower left hand holds a Lotus (Padma), representing her purity and detachment from the material world. Her mount is a lion, which signifies her supreme courage and her unshakeable position as the queen of the cosmos.

The Profound Symbolism of Her Divine Attributes

Every element of Goddess Siddhidatri's form holds a deep spiritual meaning, offering valuable lessons to her devotees who seek her blessings on this final day.

The Four Hands with Divine Objects:

• Chakra (Sudarshan Chakra): The Chakra is the ultimate symbol of divine power and righteousness. Its presence in her hand signifies her absolute authority over the entire cosmos and her ability to bring justice and order to the universe.
• Mace (Gada): The Mace is a symbol of immense power and brute force. Its presence in her hand signifies her ability to destroy all forms of evil, ignorance, and negative energy. It is a reminder that she is the ultimate protector of her devotees.
• Conch (Shankha): The Conch is a symbol of purity and auspiciousness. The sound of the conch is believed to purify the environment and bring forth positive energy. It also signifies her role as a giver of boons and a bestower of all good things.
• Lotus (Padma): The Lotus, which she holds in her hand and also sits upon, is a powerful symbol of purity, beauty, and liberation. It grows in muddy waters but remains unstained, symbolizing a devotee who can live in the world but remain untouched by its impurities and attachments.
• The Lotus Seat: Her sitting on a lotus flower signifies her supreme knowledge and her ability to rise above all worldly desires and attachments. It represents a state of complete spiritual purity and enlightenment, which she helps her devotees to achieve.
• The Lion: While her appearance is serene and peaceful, her mount, the lion, is a symbol of her formidable courage and strength. It represents her ability to face any challenge and her unwavering resolve to protect her devotees from all forms of harm.

The Significance of Worship on the Ninth Day (Navami)

The worship of Goddess Siddhidatri on the ninth day of Navratri holds immense spiritual and social significance. It is the final day of the festival, a day of culmination and thanksgiving.

1. The Giver of all Siddhis

Goddess Siddhidatri is the supreme giver of all siddhis (supernatural powers). It is believed that there are 18 types of siddhis and that she can grant all of them to her devotees. She is revered by all the gods, including Lord Shiva, who is said to have received all his siddhis from her. Her blessings are sought to attain not just material success but also spiritual enlightenment.

2. The Final Stage of Spiritual Enlightenment

The worship of Goddess Siddhidatri marks the completion of the spiritual journey of Navratri. After the initial stages of self-discipline, courage, and spiritual purification, the devotee is now ready to receive the ultimate blessings of the divine. She is the goddess who helps the spiritual seeker to transcend all limitations and achieve a state of union with the divine.

3. The Ritual of Kanya Puja and Havan

The ninth day is incomplete without the two most important rituals: Kanya Puja and Havan.

• Kanya Puja: This ritual is a beautiful way of honoring the divine feminine in the form of young girls. Nine young girls, who are considered manifestations of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, are worshipped. Their feet are washed, and they are offered special food like Halwa, Puri, and Chana. This ritual is a way of expressing gratitude to the goddess for her blessings and asking for her continued protection.
• Havan: The Havan, or fire ritual, is the most sacred and important ritual of the ninth day. It is performed to offer oblations to the fire god, Agni, and to seek the blessings of Goddess Siddhidatri. The Havan is believed to purify the environment and to carry the prayers of the devotees to the divine.

Rituals and Puja Vidhi for the Ninth Day

To properly worship Goddess Siddhidatri, devotees must approach her with a pure heart and a focused mind. The color for the day is purple or blue, which symbolizes her divine power and her role as the supreme giver of all siddhis.

1. Preparations and Puja

The devotee should wake up early, take a purifying bath, and wear clean purple or blue clothes. The puja altar, where the Kalash was placed on the first day, should be cleaned and decorated with fresh flowers, especially hibiscus and jasmine, which are her favorites.

2. The Puja (Worship)

The worship begins with offering prayers to the goddess’s idol or picture. Devotees offer simple and pure items such as sweets, fruits, and flowers. A special offering of sesame seeds is made to the goddess, as they are believed to please her and bring immense prosperity and spiritual boons. A special dish of Halwa, Puri, and Chana is also prepared and offered to the goddess.

3. Mantra Chanting

Chanting her sacred mantras is an essential part of the puja. The primary mantra for Goddess Siddhidatri is:

ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः॥ (Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah)

Another powerful mantra to seek her blessings is:

सिद्ध गन्धर्व यक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि। सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी॥ (Siddha Gandharva Yakshadyairasurairamarairapi. Sevyamana Sada Bhuyat Siddhida Siddhidayini॥)

This mantra praises her divine form and seeks her blessings to bestow prosperity and grace.

4. Special Food Offerings

The food offerings on this day are simple and pure. A special dish of Halwa, Puri, and Chana is prepared and offered to the goddess. It is believed that this offering pleases her and brings immense blessings and spiritual boons into the lives of her devotees.

The Navdurga Progression and Final Thoughts

The worship of Goddess Siddhidatri marks the end of the sacred Navratri festival. It is a powerful reminder that spiritual growth and enlightenment are a continuous journey, and that with unwavering faith and devotion, we can achieve all our goals.

• Day 1-8: The journey of spiritual preparation, from the grounded strength of Shailputri to the inner purity of Mahagauri.
• Day 9 (Maa Siddhidatri): The culmination of this journey, where the spiritual seeker is now ready to receive the ultimate blessings of the divine and achieve a state of complete spiritual liberation.

The worship of Goddess Siddhidatri is a profound reminder that the divine mother is always ready to grant us her grace and blessings. By surrendering to her divine energy, we can find the strength to face our fears, overcome all obstacles, and achieve a life of peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.