New Delhi: Navaratri is a festival celebrated in the honour of Goddess Durga. Navaratri is a Sanskrit word which means 'nine nights'. Though there are four Navaratris in a year, big celebrations are observed for two of them--first in the month of Chaitra (Chaitra Navaratri), and again in the month of Ashvin (Sharad/Shardiya Navratri).
Sharad Navaratri occurs at the onset of the autumn season, whereas Chaitra Navaratri occurs in the spring. The religious traditions of both--Sharad Navaratri and are Chaitra Navaratri--are the same.
This time Sharad Navaratri begins on October 15 and will last till October 23. The nine-day celebrations are devoted to honouring Goddess Durga in her nine forms and all of them have different significance.
These nine forms are:
1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandamata
6. Katyayini
7. Kaalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Siddhidatri
Dynamite News brings you the significance of these nine incarnations of Goddess Durga on the day they are worshipped.
Ninth Navaratri October 23 Monday: Siddhidatri
The ninth and final day of Navaratri is dedicated to the Goddess Siddhidatri. The meaning of her name: Siddhi means supernatural power or meditative ability, and Dhatri means giver or awarder. She fulfills all the divine aspirations.
It is believed that one side of Lord Shiva’s body is that of Goddess Siddhidatri. Therefore, Lord Shiva is also known by the name of Ardhanarishwara. According to Vedic scriptures, Lord Shiva attained all the siddhis by worshiping this Goddess.
Siddhidatri is depicted with four hands holding a chakra(discus), shankh(conch shell), mace, and lotus. She is seated on either a fully bloomed lotus or a lion as her mount. In some pictorial depictions, she is flanked by Gandharvas, Yakshas, Siddhas, Asuras and Devas who are portrayed as paying obeisance to the goddess.
Maa Siddhidatri is known to be the giver of perfection. She blesses her devotees with wisdom.
