Navratri Day 9 - Navmi Tithi - Maa Siddhidatri
Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth and final manifestation of Goddess Durga, embodies the ultimate feminine force that bestows all spiritual powers. Her very name reflects her role as the divine grantor of Siddhis—extraordinary abilities that transcend the mundane, offering wisdom, liberation, and a profound understanding of the cosmos.
She is the possessor of 26 distinct Siddhis, which She can grant to Her devotees, enabling them to achieve remarkable spiritual and occult powers. The legend holds that even Lord Shiva attained all of these Siddhis by worshipping Maa Adipara Shakti. Through Her grace, Shiva's form transformed into Ardhanarishvara, where half of his body became that of Maa Shakti, symbolizing the divine union of masculine and feminine energies.
The significance of Maa Siddhidatri is unmatched. While her commonly practised rituals are widely known, there exists a more esoteric path of worship, one shrouded in mystery and known only to a select few. These sacred rituals passed down through exclusive spiritual lineages, open the gateway to profound spiritual transformations, leading the practitioner towards the pinnacle of enlightenment.
At the core of these hidden practices lies the invocation of a secret mantra, far more potent than the widely recited
"ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः" This sacred mantra, transmitted exclusively from Guru to disciple, carries immense power and must be wielded with the utmost reverence and caution. Chanted during midnight sadhanas, particularly under auspicious planetary alignments such as Amavasya or Ashtami, its potency is significantly magnified. Guarded through generations, this mantra is believed to awaken the dormant spiritual potential within the sadhaka, unlocking higher realms of consciousness and divine realization. Reserved for the most dedicated practitioners, it reveals the cosmos's highest truths, guiding them beyond the material world to realms of pure spiritual power.
Another rare and sacred practice involves offering naivedyam to Maa Siddhidatri during the mystical hour of midnight on Navami. This offering, meticulously prepared with ingredients like black sesame seeds, honey, and lotus seeds, is crafted in absolute solitude and silence. The sadhaka, unseen by anyone, enters a deep communion with Her divine essence, for the energy invoked during this sacred hour is believed to be profoundly potent, enabling a direct connection with the Goddess.
Maa Siddhidatri's divine energy is further channelled through a secret cosmic yantra, inscribed upon copper or silver plates. Known only to advanced practitioners, this yantra is consecrated with mantras associated with the eight siddhis—Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishitva, and Vashitva. Meditating upon this yantra in seclusion, whether within the depths of a forest temple or an isolated cave, magnifies its power, drawing the Goddess’s energy into the sadhaka’s aura and elevating their spiritual journey to new heights.
Worshipping Maa Siddhidatri with a crystal (sphatik mala) is another practice reserved for advanced devotees. Using a mala made of pure crystals, the sadhaka sits in siddhasana, facing east or north, chanting Her secret mantras for 108 rounds, often extending over nine days. This practice resonates with her cosmic frequency, purifying the devotee’s consciousness and forging a direct link to her divine grace.
Maa Siddhidatri’s presence is intricately connected to the activation of the Sahasrara Chakra, the crown chakra. During the Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours), advanced practitioners meditate on this chakra, invoking her energy to open the gateway to cosmic consciousness. By combining deep pranayama with visualization techniques, the sadhaka experiences the unfolding of the crown chakra, leading to heightened spiritual awareness and unity with the divine.
In another profound practice, the performance of a secret yagna (fire ritual) dedicated solely to Maa Siddhidatri is believed to invoke her presence directly. The fire pit is constructed in a unique geometric pattern, and offerings such as camphor, sandalwood, and lotus petals are cast into the sacred flames while chanting her name 1,008 times. The ritual purifies the devotee’s energy field, allowing for a spiritual vision of the goddess within the flames.
For advanced practitioners, silent meditation in nature serves as a vital sadhana to connect with Maa Siddhidatri. By meditating near a sacred river or beneath a Peepal tree, devotees engage in deep states of "Gupt Tapasya" (hidden penance), visualizing her energy enveloping the universe. After hours of immersion, it is believed she reveals herself as light or as an inner voice, guiding the devotee toward spiritual enlightenment.
Maa Siddhidatri’s connection to the Muladhara Chakra, the seat of Kundalini energy, is also profound. In advanced practices, sadhakas worship her internally, visualizing her seated at the base of their spine. This inner puja gently stimulates the Kundalini energy, allowing it to rise through the chakras and bringing the sadhaka closer to self-realization.
Her worship is further enriched by invoking the Chausath Yoginis, her 64 divine attendants. Before any worship, advanced Tantric rituals require their invocation to amplify the energy of the sadhana. Each Yogini is believed to bestow unique siddhis upon the devotee, acting as a bridge to Maa Siddhidatri herself.
Maa Siddhidatri, seated on a lotus (padma) and riding a lion (simha) while holding the Gada, Chakra, lotus, and Shankha, radiates divine grace and power. Her influence extends beyond humans to celestial beings—Devas, Gandharvas, Asuras, Yakshas, and Siddhas. Her blessings dispel ignorance, bestow wisdom, and grant spiritual liberation. During Navratri, devotees offer sesame seeds as a symbolic request for Her divine siddhis.
Planetary Deity: Ketu
Attributes: Spirituality, liberation, and enlightenment.
Worship: Seek spiritual enlightenment and liberation from Ketu.
Bhog: Offer Sesame Seeds to Maa Siddhidatri during Navratri to achieve all kinds of Siddhis.
Colour for the day: Sky Blue
Ritual: Perform the yagna
Chanting the mantra, during this sacred time deepens our connection with Maa Siddhidatri, inviting her divine energy into our lives.
सिद्धगधर्व यक्षाद्यैरसुरैरमरैरपि।
सेव्यमाना सदा भूयात सिद्धिदा सिद्धिदायिनी।।
Sid’dhagadharva yakṣādyairasurairamarairapi |
Sēvyamānā sadā bhūyāta sid’dhidā sid’dhidāyinī ||
As the embodiment of all siddhis and spiritual knowledge, Maa Siddhidatri’s grace marks the culmination of Navratri. Through these esoteric rituals and secret sadhanas, we align ourselves with Maa Siddhidatri's profound cosmic energy, transcending the physical realm and embracing spiritual growth. This alignment serves as a reminder of our innate potential and the journey toward enlightenment, as we honor the divine forces guiding us on our path.
As we wrap up our astrological exploration of Navratri, we come to understand the profound connection between this festival and the nine planetary deities. Navratri is not merely a celebration; it is a cosmic journey that aligns us with the energies of the universe. Each day encapsulates a unique aspect of divine feminine power, guiding us to embrace the qualities associated with each deity. In this way, Navratri illuminates our path toward spiritual growth and enlightenment.
