The colorful holiday of Navratri is held in honor of Goddess Durga. The celebration this year started on October 3, 2024, and ends on October 12, with Dussehra. Maha Navami, or Day 9 of Navratri, is particularly important as it honors Maa Siddhidatri, Goddess Durga’s ninth incarnation.

Respected as the origin of mystical and meditation abilities is Maa Siddhidatri. As to Hindu mythology, she represents the fullness of spirituality and grants her followers eight supernatural abilities called Ashtasiddhis.

Maa Siddhidatri’s significance on the ninth day of Navratri

Maa Siddhidatri is revered on Maha Navami as a symbol of spiritual purity. Her name, which is a combination of the words “Siddhi” (supernatural abilities) and “Datri” (provider), symbolizes her capacity to bestow heavenly favors and her skill in meditation. According to Hindu mythology, worshiping her on this day may help one achieve all of the Siddhis.

Goddess Siddhidatri is shown as a four-armed goddess who is sitting on a lion and carrying a mace, a lotus, a chakra, and a shankha. Her blessings, according to devotees, have the power to activate the Sahasrara, or Crown Chakra, which opens the door to salvation and enlightenment.

Day 9 of Navratri Color: Purple

Purple is the lucky color for Maha Navami and represents grandeur, majesty, and plenty. It is said that wearing purple while praying would attract riches, wealth, and spiritual strength.

Maa Siddhidatri’s Puja Vidhi

Following customs like Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja, the highly valued Kanya Pujan is held, during which nine young girls—symbolizing the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga—are celebrated. The customary meals of puri, sooji halwa, and kala chana are offered to the deities as bhog, and they also wash their feet and tilak their foreheads. As part of the Kanya Pujan ritual, these girls also get gifts and cash.

Maa Siddhidatri’s Bhog

Offerings made on Navami consist of yellow fruits, particularly bananas, and desserts like panchamrit and kheer. There are many yellow flowers available, especially roses. Following Kanya Pujan, the fast followed during Navratri is customarily broken by feeding sukha kala chana, sooji halwa, and poori to nine young girls, who symbolize the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga.