Navratri celebration thread: most auspicious 9 days of the year - Page 12

Sidhha Gandharvay khshadher Surair Marair Api |
Sevya Mana Sada Bhooyat Siddhida Siddhidayini ||

Devi Siddhidatri is the ninth manifestation of Shakti and is greatly worshipped among Nav Durga. On the final day of Navratri pooja, worshippers and devotees of Durga wonderfully pay homage to Goddess Siddhidatri. This Goddess is revered to offer all types of Siddhi (perfection) to her devotees and thus glorified with name 'Siddhidatri'. She is represented with four arms sitting on lotus flower. Her arms hold Gada (bludgeon), Chakra, Shankh (scallop shell) and lotus flower. Her appearance glows in red saree. Her procession is Lion. Worshipping goddess Siddhidatri on the ninth and final day of Navratri bestows all Siddhis to worshippers and successfully completes their Navratri Pooja.

It is mentioned in Vedic scriptures that Lord Shiva obtained all Siddhis by blessings of Siddhidatri that made his half Devi and glorified him with name 'Ardha Narishwar'. Worshipping Goddess Sidhidatri solely with mentioned customs and rituals certainly endows all Siddhis and blessings to devotees. On the ninth day of Navratri Pooja, Kanya Poojan is also performed with grand touch. Little girls are offered homage and feed with blessed meals. Yagya, Maha Pooja and other grand celebrations are also performed to delight Nav Durga on this day. Each day of Navratri has a significant importance, but ninth day is the most prominent, as this is the final and concluding day of Durga Pooja.

Different scriptures mention different numbers of Siddhi. As per Markendey Puran, there are mainly eight types of Siddhi names as - Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakyamya, Inshitva, and Vashitva. But, in some other scripture numbers of siddhis are 18. Thus, by devoting prayers to Goddess Siddhidatri, worshippers certainly obtain all Siddhis.

All human beings should revere Goddess Siddhidatri to achieve absolute perfection. Siddhi makes the person highly eminent and glorified. After obtaining Siddhi, human beings observe enhancement in their charisma. And this is only possible if one pays heartily adherence toward Goddess Siddhi-datri. Ninth day of Navratri Pooja is especially dedicated to Devi Siddhidatri. Worshippers can accomplishe any kind of desire by just worshipping Devi Siddhidatri on the auspicious final day of Navratri. Her glory is boundless. She is said to be very generous for all mankind and animals on earth. Devi Siddhidatri is truly one of the most glorious aspects of Navdurga. With her grace, all wishes are fulfilled. It is also believed that grace of Devi Siddhidatri satisfies and controls all desires of her worshippers. There is no any type of wish remain in heart after worshipping her solely. She ends greed and unnecessary temptation toward material comforts. Pray Goddess Siddhidatri and get her immense blessings. Jai Maa Siddhidatri!

Spiritual Significance of Maha Navami

According to mythological stories, Devi Durga's battle against Mahishasur, the king of demons lasted for nine days. The ninth day is the final day before the Goddess won over the evil with her power and wisdom. So Maha Navami is also considered the eve of starting anything new on Vijaya Dashami.

Rituals of Maha Navami

• On this day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Saraswati"the deity of knowledge and wisdom. In Southern India, Ayudha Puja is arranged and along with the Goddess, tools, machineries, musical instruments, books, equipments of all kinds including automobiles are decorated and worshipped. This day is considered vital before starting any new work on Vijaya Dashami.
• Children start going to school on this day in many places in Southern India.
• In North and East India, Kanya Pujan is done on this day in many places. According to this ritual, nine young virgin girls are worshipped as nine forms of Goddess Durga. Their feet are washed, kumkum and sandalwood paste is applied over them; they are offered new clothes to wear and then they are worshipped with mantras and incense sticks. Special food is cooked for them and they are offered gifts as tokens of love and respect by the devotees.
• In eastern India, Maha Navami is the third day of Durga Puja. This starts with a holy bath following which Shodhasopachar puja is done. On this day Devi Durga is worshipped as Mahishasuramardini, meaning the Goddess who killed Mahishasur, the buffalo demon. It is believed that on this day the demon was finally annihilated.
• A special ritual of Navami hom is done at the end of Navami puja.
• It is also believed that puja done on this day is equivalent to puja done on all the nine days of the Navratri festival.
• In some places, ancient tradition of Navami bali or sacrifice of animals is still practiced.
• In some areas of Andhra Pradesh, Batthukamma festival is held on Navami. The name is inspired by a beautiful flower. This puja is done by Hindu women and flowers are arranged in a typical seven layer form in a conical shape and is offered to Goddess Gauri"a form of Durga. This festival celebrates the glory and beauty of womanhood. Women wear new clothes and jewellery on this day.
• Other pujas that are held on this day are Suvasini Puja and Dampati puja.
• In Mysore, on this day the Royal sword is worshipped and is taken out in processions on illustrated elephants and camels.