The nine-day Navratri festival began in India on October 3 and will conclude on October 12. Today marks the second day of the celebrations, with devotees offering prayers to Maa Siddhidatri.
Maa Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Durga and is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri festival. The goddess grants supernatural and meditative powers and is associated with the color purple, symbolising luxury, grandeur, and nobility. It is believed that worshipping Navdurga while wearing purple brings devotees prosperity, abundance, and spiritual strength.
Navratri 2024 Day 2, Maa Siddhidatri: Significance
Maa Siddhidatri governs the planet Ketu, providing it with direction and energy. She is revered as the Goddess who grants her devotees all types of Siddhis (spiritual accomplishments). There are eight Siddhis she bestows: Anima, Mahima, Prapti, Prakamya, Garima, Laghima, Ishitva, and Vashitva.
She is depicted seated on a lotus and riding a lion. She has four arms: in her right hands, she holds a mace and the Sudarshan Chakra, while in her left, she holds a lotus and a conch. She is worshipped by celestial beings such as Gandharvas, Yakshas, Siddhas, and Asuras.
Known for dispelling ignorance, she blesses her devotees with wisdom. Even Lord Shiva is believed to have acquired his Siddhis through her grace.
Navratri 2024 Day 9: Color of the day
Today’s colour is purple. The colour represents luxury, grandeur, and nobility. It is believed that worshipping Navdurga while wearing purple brings devotees wealth, prosperity, and spiritual strength.
Navratri 2024 Day 9: Puja Timings, Vidhi and Rituals
On Navami Tithi, devotees should rise early and begin the day with a Mahasnan, a ritual purification bath. After wearing new and clean clothes, they should bathe the idols of Maa Durga and Maa Siddhidatri with Gangajal. Offerings of white garments, sweets, dry fruits, fruits, and white flowers should be made to the goddess.
Maa Siddhidatri is said to favor Night Blooming Jasmine (Raat Ki Rani) and enjoys seasonal fruits, puri, kheer, chana, coconut, and halwa, which should be offered as bhog to seek her blessings. In addition to worshipping Maa Siddhidatri, performing Kanya Pujan (Kanjak) on Navami is highly significant.
This year, Maha Navami will be observed on October 11, while the Ashwina Navratri Parana Tithi falls on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
