Shardiya Navratri, one of the most important festivals in Hinduism started on October 3, 2024. This festival lasts for nine days and devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, culminating with Dussehra on October 12, 2024. The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga.
This auspicious day, known as Maha Navami, signifies the culmination of nine days of devotion, fasting and spiritual introspection, celebrating the divine feminine energy and the pursuit of perfection. Goddess Siddhidatri is revered as the bestower of supernatural powers and spiritual wisdom. Her name captures her essence: ‘Siddhi’ translates to supernatural power, while ‘Dhatri’ means the giver. As the embodiment of perfection and spiritual enlightenment, she is believed to fulfill the deepest desires of her devotees, guiding them towards self-realisation and inner peace.
This year, the color associated with Maha Navami is peacock green, a hue that represents individuality and uniqueness. Devotees wear this color to invoke prosperity and freshness, believing it attracts divine blessings. The vibrant color serves as a reminder of the abundance of life and the spiritual journey one embarks upon during Navratri.
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The legend of Goddess Siddhidatri starts at the dawn of creation, in a universe engulfed in darkness and void. It was during this desolate time that Goddess Kushmanda, representing the cosmic energy of creation, emerged. She illuminated the darkness and initiated the process of creation. Upon creating the Tirumurti, God Shiva sought perfection from Goddess Kushmanda. In response, she manifested Goddess Siddhidatri, who was endowed with the power to bestow 18 forms of perfection (Siddhis) upon God Shiva. These included the Ashta Siddhi (eight primary forms) and ten secondary forms described by God Krishna.
As God Brahma set out to create life, he encountered a significant challenge: he required both male and female energies to complete his creation. Feeling overwhelmed, he prayed to Goddess Siddhidatri for assistance. Compassionate to his plight, she performed a divine act of transformation, converting half of God Shiva’s body into a female form. This powerful representation gave rise to Ardhanarishwar, symbolizing the unity of masculine and feminine energies and the balance of creation.
With this divine transformation, God Brahma was able to fulfill his role, leading to the creation of living beings and the formation of the universe. Goddess Siddhidatri’s role was pivotal, as she not only aided in creation but also imparted the essential qualities of perfection and wisdom to all beings. Maha Navami is a day of deep devotion and spiritual practices. Devotees are encouraged to awaken early, engaging in a sacred bath (mahasnan) to purify themselves. Dressed in new, clean clothes, they start their day with prayers and offerings to Goddess Durga and Goddess Siddhidatri.’
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