Siddhidatri – The Ninth Durga
Siddhidatri is the ultimate form of Mahadevi who presides over the ninth night of Navaratri. She represents the primordial (Moolrupa) of Parvati who incarnated herself to give momentum to the process of creation of the Universe. She is, therefore, treated as the Adishakti. She created Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva for the creation, sustenance and destruction of the universe. She also created Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati as consorts of Bramha, Vishnu and Shiva as female powers to assist and guide them in their functions.
All the living, and non-living entities with stars, planets etc. evolved thereafter. She became the bestower of Siddhis for which she came to be known as Siddhidatri. Shiva after worshipping the Adishakti was also granted Siddhi-related powers due to which he became Ardha-narishwar. Thus, Shiva evolved into a complete and powerful God.
Siddhi is perfection or exhibition of capabilities for utilizing certain supernatural powers which Lord Ganesha, Hanuman, Adishakti etc. enjoyed. Such siddhis are many according to Brahmavaibarta Puran, Bhagwat Puran but Siddhis described in the Markandeya Puran are called primary which are listed below.
1. ANIMA: Capacity to reduce to the smallest size
2. MAHIMA: Capacity to increase to the largest size
3. GARIMA: Capacity to become infinitely heavy.
4. LAGHIMA: Capacity to become almost weightless.
5. PRAPTI: Capacity to become omnipresent.
6. PRAKAMBYA: Capacity to Realize whatever is desired.
7. ISHITVA: Capacity to possess absolute lordship.
8. VASHITVA: Capacity to Subjugate all.
If such siddhis are granted, nothing remains to be desired thereafter. Thus, on the concluding night of Navaratri, the Mahadevi is worshipped for competence, perfection, capabilities and attainment of success.
The Siddhidatri in her image is depicted with four arms. The lower right arm holds a Chakra and the upper right has a mace. On the left side, the lower arm has a conch shell (sankha) while the left upper hand is shown holding a lotus flower. She is depicted either using a lion as her vehicle or sitting on a large lotus flower. She is beyond the realm of the chakra system. She is absolute.
Mantra
ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah॥
Prayers
सिद्ध गन्धर्व यक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि।
सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात् सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी॥
Siddha Gandharva Yakshadyairasurairamarairapi।
Sevyamana Sada Bhuyat Siddhida Siddhidayini॥
Meaning
Which Siddhas, Gandarvas, Yakshas, Adhyas, Asuras, and Amaras (Suras) seek, please bestow me those Siddhis with your mercy, the giver of Siddhis – Goddess Siddhidatri (I bow to you).
I am a Vedic astrologer by profession. I have done Jyotish Acharya from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan. I am devoted to my Sadguru Shri Sai Nath of Shirdi. I am also interested in spirituality. I love to guide people.
I am a Vedic astrologer by profession. I have done Jyotish Acharya from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan. I am devoted to my Sadguru Shri Sai Nath of Shirdi. I am also interested in spirituality. I love to guide people.