Navratri 2024 Day 9: Worship of Maa Siddhidatri, Maha Navami Puja Vidhi, Significance, Shubh Muhurat, Mantra, and More

The ninth day of Navratri holds great significance as it is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga. Celebrated on Maha Navami, this day is revered by devotees for the spiritual energy and supernatural powers that Maa Siddhidatri bestows upon her followers. Let’s explore the rituals, significance, and other important details for this auspicious day.

Who is Maa Siddhidatri?

Maa Siddhidatri, one of the forms of Goddess Durga, is known as the provider of Siddhis (supernatural powers). Her name is derived from the Sanskrit words "Siddhi" meaning power and "Datri" meaning giver. According to Hindu mythology, she emerged from the left side of Lord Shiva, giving birth to his Ardhanarishvara form—a unified representation of masculine and feminine energies. This form symbolizes balance and spiritual completeness.

Maa Siddhidatri governs the planet Ketu and is believed to have granted Lord Shiva his Siddhis, empowering him to fulfill his cosmic duties. Her worship on the ninth day of Navratri is believed to bring divine knowledge, power, and spiritual strength to her devotees.

Iconography of Maa Siddhidatri

Maa Siddhidatri is depicted seated on a lotus, surrounded by celestial beings like Gandharvas, Yakshas, Siddhas, and Asuras, all offering their devotion to her. She has four arms: holding a Sudarshan chakra, a mace, a lotus, and a conch shell. Her serene expression reflects her divine grace, which bestows peace and accomplishment.

Maha Navami Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

1. Preparation: Start your day with a ritual bath early in the morning and wear fresh, clean clothes. Clean the puja area and place a picture or idol of Maa Siddhidatri at the altar.

2. Offerings: Offer white flowers, sweets, dry fruits, and fruits. Maa Siddhidatri is particularly fond of "Raat Ki Rani" (Night Blooming Jasmine) and simple yet pure offerings like kheer, chana, and puris.

3. Mantra Chanting: Chant the Siddhidatri mantras and perform aarti to invoke her blessings. Here is a powerful mantra to recite:

   • Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah
   • Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Siddhidatri Rupena Samsthita | Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah ||

4. Kanya Pujan: On Maha Navami, it is traditional to perform Kanya Pujan, where nine young girls (symbolizing the nine forms of Durga) are worshipped. Feed them with prasad, such as puri, kala chana, and halwa, and give them gifts and blessings.

Significance of Maa Siddhidatri Worship

Maa Siddhidatri is believed to remove ignorance and bestow wisdom upon her devotees. She grants spiritual powers that help in overcoming challenges, providing a path towards moksha (liberation). Worshipping her also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as it is on Maha Navami that Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura, liberating the world from his tyranny.

Shubh Muhurat and Timings for Maha Navami 2024

• Navami Tithi Begins: 12:06 PM on October 11, 2024
• Navami Tithi Ends: 10:58 AM on October 12, 2024
• Puja Muhurat: The most auspicious time for Maha Navami puja falls within these timings. Ensure that all rituals, including the Kanya Pujan, are completed before the Tithi ends.

Importance of Colors and Bhog

The color associated with Maa Siddhidatri is purple, symbolizing luxury, grandeur, and spiritual strength. Devotees are encouraged to wear purple attire during puja to attract the blessings of wealth and wisdom.

The bhog offered to Maa Siddhidatri includes simple, nourishing foods like puri, chana, kheer, and fruits. These are distributed as prasad after the puja rituals.

Maa Siddhidatri Mantras for Navratri Day 9

Chanting mantras is an essential part of the puja, as it invokes the goddess’s divine blessings. Here are some powerful mantras for Day 9:

1. Siddha Gandharva Yakshadyairasurairamarairapi | Sevyamana Sada Bhuyat Siddhida Siddhidayini ||

2. Kanchanabha Shankhachakragadapadmadhara Mukatojvalo | Smeramukhi Shivapatni Siddhidatri Namoastute ||

Conclusion

Navratri is a time for spiritual cleansing, devotion, and inner strength. On the ninth day, worshipping Maa Siddhidatri not only brings divine knowledge and powers but also signifies the victory of good over evil. Through sincere devotion and adherence to the puja vidhi, devotees can receive the goddess’s blessings for a prosperous and enlightened life.

This Navratri, immerse yourself in the worship of Maa Siddhidatri, and experience the spiritual empowerment that comes with her divine grace.