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Navratri 2023 is that time of the year when Hindus across India and the world come together to celebrate Maa Durga and her nine forms for nine consecutive days. This year, Navratri 2023 began on October 15 and is scheduled to end on October 23, which is also known as Navami or the ninth day of Navratri celebrations. The following day, October 24, will be celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami. On the ninth day of Navratri 2023 or Navami, it is tradition to worship Devi Siddhidatri.
Here is everything you need to know about the final day or Navami of Navratri 2023, the significance of worshipping Devi Siddhidatri and the rituals usually performed.
Video Credit: YouTube/Pots and Pans India
The Significance Of Worshipping Devi Siddhidatri
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rudra worshipped the divine entity called Adi-Parashakti to create the universe and Lord Shiva and Devi Siddhiratri appeared to grant him boons. Devi Siddhidatri is therefore believed to be a part of the eternal divine’s Ardha-Narishwar form. It is believed that Devi Siddhidatri governs the planet of Ketu, resides on a lotus flower or Kamal, rides a lion and has four hands (which hold the Gada, Chakra, lotus flower and Shankh. Possessing the power to bestow all types of Siddhis or accomplishments, Devi Siddhiratri is worshipped for eternal boons of prosperity and accomplishments.
The meaning of Devi Siddhidatri is literally “the one who gives power”, which is why Hindu mythology says that she is revered by not only humans but also Devas, Gandharvas, Asuras, Yakshas and the Siddhas. On Mahanavami, people therefore dedicate a day’s worship to Devi Siddhidatri in the hopes that the deity will take away ignorance in all its forms and grant devotees with the boon of knowledge. Through bringing forth the light of knowledge, she grants the devotees the ability to be accomplished at any tasks they set out.
Navratri 2023 Navami Puja Rituals For Devi Siddhidatri
Devotees dedicating the ninth day of Navratri or Navami to the worship of Devi Siddhidatri should begin their day with a purifying bath or Mahasnan and don new clothes. Many people also perform Kanjak or Kanya Puja on Navami instead of Ashtami, where nine unmarried young girls are invited home to worship as the manifestations of Maa Durga. If you are performing Kanya Puja on Navami then it is ritual to wash the girls’ feet, apply tilak, tie a sacred thread on their wrists and offer the combination of Kala Chana, Halwa and Puri as Prasad.
This apart, Devi Siddhidatri is also offered a special offering of sesame seeds and blooming jasmines on Navami. The colour associated with Devi Siddhidatri is pink, so it is also ritual to wear pink-hued clothes on the Navami day after the Mahasnan. The colour pink symbolises kindness, affection, love and harmony, which is why it is mostly associated with Devi Siddhidatri on the ninth day of Navratri.
