Navaratri Day 9: Siddhidatri

The Bestower of Perfections, Goddess Siddhidatri

On the sacred, culminating ninth day of Navaratri, we worship Goddess Siddhidatri, the Divine Mother in her most mystical and transcendent aspect. Her name means “Bestower of Siddhis”—the spiritual perfections and supernatural powers that are the fruits of ultimate spiritual mastery. She is the fulfillment of the nine-day journey, the granter of the divine boon, and the form that makes the impossible possible.

The Legend: The Consummation of Divine Union

In profound mythology, it is Goddess Siddhidatri who grants the eighteen great siddhis to Lord Shiva himself. So enchanted and complete was Shiva with her grace that he took one half of her form into himself, becoming Ardhanarishvara—the androgynous fusion of Shiva and Shakti. This symbolizes the ultimate state of consciousness: the complete, inseparable union of the seeker (Purusha/Shiva) and the sought-after spiritual power (Prakriti/Shakti).

She represents the final attainment, the point where all spiritual striving ceases and the devotee becomes one with the object of devotion. She is the living proof that the Goddess is not only the path but also the ultimate reward.

Depiction & Symbolism: The Throne of Accomplishment

Siddhidatri is depicted seated serenely on a fully bloomed lotus, or sometimes upon a lion. She is radiant, often shown with four arms holding a discus (chakra), a mace (gada), a lotus, and a conch shell (shankha).

• The Lotus Seat: Represents full enlightenment and sovereignty over the material and spiritual realms. She is perfectly centered in her divine nature.

• The Discus (Sudarshana Chakra): Symbolizes the mind and intellect purified to perfection, revolving with divine will to cut through the last vestiges of ignorance.

• The Mace (Gada): Represents the power to subdue all negative forces—both internal (ego, desire) and external. It is the weight of divine authority.

• The Lotus & Conch: The lotus signifies spiritual purity in full bloom, while the conch represents the primordial sound of creation (Om) and the call to higher consciousness. Together, they signify the tools of creation and dissolution held in perfect balance.

Significance: The Doorway to the Divine

Worshipping Siddhidatri is about transcending all limitations and accessing the state of oneness with the Absolute. She governs the attainment of both Bhukti (worldly enjoyments) and Mukti (liberation). The eight primary siddhis (Ashta Siddhis) she bestows are metaphors for the soul’s complete mastery over the laws of nature and consciousness.

On this final day, we invoke her to:

• Attain the ultimate “siddhi” or perfection in our spiritual practice and worldly endeavors.

• Remove the final obstacles on the path to self-realization.

• Experience the grace of divine union, where the devotee and the Divine become indistinguishable.

• Receive the wisdom to use any spiritual power or worldly success for the highest good.

She is worshipped by all—gods, demons, and humans alike—for she holds the key to all accomplishments.

Rituals & Devotion

• Color: Devotees wear vibrant shades of peacock green and divine pink.

  • Peacock Green symbolizes the unfolding of the cosmos, mystic vision, and the flourishing of all spiritual potentials. Like the peacock’s feathers, it represents the beauty and complexity of a fully realized soul.

  • Pink embodies unconditional love, compassion, and the bliss of attainment. It is the color of the heart fully merged with divine grace.

• Offering: Sesame seeds or til ke laddoo are traditionally offered. Sesame symbolizes longevity, protection, and the dispelling of darkness, representing the final nourishment for the soul’s journey.

• Prayer: This day involves deep meditation, chanting of powerful mantras, and heartfelt gratitude for the journey. It is a day of joyous culmination, where fasting often concludes with a special, sanctified meal (Parana).

A Mantra for Day 9

ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah.
“Salutations to the Goddess who is the Giver of Accomplishments.”

Goddess Siddhidatri does not just give gifts; she gives you yourself, perfected. As we honor her, the nine-day saga of the Navadurga reaches its glorious climax. The seeker who began with Shailaputri’s foundation now stands before the source of all perfection. Let her grace fall upon you, dissolving the last veil of separation. May you realize that the siddhi you sought was never outside, but the radiant truth of your own divine nature, waiting to be recognized.

May the boundless blessings of Siddhidatri fulfill your every spiritual and worldly endeavor.
Wishing you a triumphant and blissful culmination of Navaratri.

ॐ नमः शिवाय