What to do on Day-9 of Navratri?

Navratri Day 9: Worship of Goddess Siddhidatri – The Bestower of Spiritual Powers and Perfections

The ninth day of Navratri, also known as Navami, is a culmination of the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her various forms. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth and final manifestation of Durga, who is revered as the bestower of all supernatural powers, or “siddhis.” Navami holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the end of the Navratri celebrations and is considered one of the most auspicious days for seeking the divine blessings of the Goddess.

Significance of Day 9: Worship of Goddess Siddhidatri

Goddess Siddhidatri is depicted as a beautiful deity, seated on a lotus or a lion, holding a conch shell, a discus, a lotus, and a mace in her four hands. She is surrounded by all the gods, sages, and saints, who worship her with deep devotion. The name “Siddhidatri” is derived from two words: “Siddhi,” meaning supernatural power or spiritual achievement, and “Dhatri,” meaning giver. Thus, Siddhidatri is believed to grant all types of siddhis to her devotees, helping them achieve spiritual enlightenment and liberation.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, through the blessings of Goddess Siddhidatri, attained the form of Ardhanarishvara, a composite form of Shiva and Shakti. This symbolizes the perfect balance of masculine and feminine energies and underscores the importance of divine feminine power in the universe. Devotees who worship Siddhidatri on Navami are said to receive her divine grace, leading to the fulfillment of their spiritual aspirations and the attainment of inner peace.

Rituals and Celebrations on Day 9

1. Morning Rituals and Puja:

• The day begins with a ritualistic bath early in the morning, often using water infused with holy ingredients like turmeric, rose petals, and neem leaves. This is done to cleanse the body and prepare it for the day’s sacred activities.
• Devotees then wear clean, preferably white or light-colored clothes, symbolizing purity and devotion. The house, especially the place of worship, is cleaned and decorated with flowers, rangoli (colorful patterns made on the floor), and lamps.
• The idol or image of Goddess Siddhidatri is placed on the altar, surrounded by flowers, incense, and offerings. The Kalash, representing the presence of the divine, is worshiped with utmost devotion. The puja begins with the recitation of mantras, especially the Siddhidatri Stotra, which extols the virtues and powers of the Goddess.
• Devotees offer white flowers, fruits, sweets made from milk, and other sattvic (pure) foods to the Goddess. Special offerings like sesame seeds and kheer (rice pudding) are made, which are believed to be favored by Siddhidatri.
• The aarti (ritual of waving lighted lamps) is performed with devotion, accompanied by the ringing of bells and the blowing of conch shells. The aarti is often followed by the distribution of prasad (blessed food) to all participants.

2. Kanya Puja (Worship of Young Girls):

• On Navami, the ritual of Kanya Puja is performed with great reverence, especially in North India. Nine young girls, representing the nine forms of Durga, are worshiped as incarnations of the Goddess.
• The girls are welcomed into the home and their feet are washed as a sign of respect. They are then offered new clothes, flowers, and tilak (a mark on the forehead). A special meal is prepared for them, typically consisting of puris (deep-fried bread), halwa (a sweet dish made of semolina), and chana (chickpeas).
• After the meal, the girls are given gifts, such as bangles, toys, or money, and are blessed by the devotees. This ritual symbolizes the reverence for the feminine divine and is believed to bring blessings of health, prosperity, and happiness.

3. Fasting and Dietary Observances:

• Many devotees observe a strict fast on Navami, consuming only one meal during the day, which consists of sattvic foods. This fast is seen as a means of purifying the body and mind, allowing the devotee to focus entirely on the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri.
• The meal typically includes:
  • Sabudana Khichdi: A dish made from tapioca pearls, flavored with peanuts, cumin, and green chilies.
  • Singhara Halwa: A sweet dish made from water chestnut flour, sugar, and ghee.
  • Fresh Fruits and Dairy: Fruits, yogurt, and milk are also commonly consumed, as they are considered pure and light.
• For those not fasting, a simple vegetarian meal is prepared, avoiding onions, garlic, and other tamasic (impure) ingredients.

4. Evening Aarti and Bhajans:

• The evening aarti on Navami is a significant event, bringing together family members and the community for collective worship. The aarti involves lighting lamps and singing hymns in praise of Siddhidatri, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
• Following the aarti, devotees sing bhajans (devotional songs) dedicated to the Goddess. These bhajans express devotion and gratitude and help to focus the mind on the divine. The atmosphere is charged with spiritual energy, as the rhythmic chanting and singing elevate the mood of the devotees.
• In some regions, Garba and Dandiya dances are performed as part of the evening celebrations. These traditional dances, accompanied by music, are both a form of worship and a way to celebrate the victory of good over evil, which is a central theme of Navratri.

5. Havan and Yagna:

• On Navami, a havan (fire ritual) is often performed to purify the environment and invoke the blessings of the Goddess. The ritual involves offering ghee, grains, and special herbs into the sacred fire while chanting mantras dedicated to Siddhidatri.
• The havan is believed to cleanse the surroundings of negative energies and create a protective shield around the devotees. It is also a way to express gratitude to the Goddess for her protection and blessings throughout Navratri.

6. Community Activities and Charitable Acts:

• Navami is also a day for performing acts of charity and service. Many devotees engage in activities such as feeding the poor, distributing clothes, and donating money to temples or charitable organizations.
• In some communities, large-scale food distribution events are organized, where prasad is served to everyone, regardless of social or economic status. These acts of generosity are seen as a way to earn the blessings of the Goddess and to purify one’s karma.

7. Sandhi Puja:

• In some regions, especially in West Bengal, the Sandhi Puja is performed during the transition between Ashtami and Navami. This puja is considered extremely powerful and is performed at the exact moment when Ashtami ends, and Navami begins.
• The Sandhi Puja involves offering 108 lotuses and 108 lamps to the Goddess, along with other offerings like fruits, sweets, and incense. The puja is marked by intense devotion and is believed to invoke the powerful blessings of Durga in her most fierce and protective form.

The Spiritual Essence of Day 9

Navratri Day 9, dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, is a day of profound spiritual significance. The rituals, prayers, and food offerings on this day are all centered around the themes of spiritual attainment, divine grace, and the fulfillment of one’s spiritual goals.

1. Spiritual Fulfillment:

• Siddhidatri is the giver of siddhis, or spiritual powers, and worshiping her on Navami is believed to help devotees achieve their highest spiritual aspirations. The rituals and prayers on this day are designed to purify the mind and body, allowing devotees to connect with the divine on a deeper level.

2. Balance and Harmony:

• The worship of Siddhidatri also symbolizes the balance between masculine and feminine energies. This balance is essential for spiritual growth and the attainment of inner peace. Devotees seek to harmonize these energies within themselves through their devotion to the Goddess.

3. Honor and Respect for the Feminine Divine:

• The practice of Kanya Puja highlights the importance of honoring the feminine divine. By worshiping young girls as embodiments of the Goddess, devotees express their reverence for the feminine energy that sustains the universe.

4. Culmination of Navratri:

• Navami marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival. The energy and devotion that have built up over the previous eight days reach their peak, creating a powerful spiritual experience for the devotees. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the strengthening of one’s connection with the divine.

Conclusion

Navratri Day 9, dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, is a day of immense spiritual importance. The rituals, prayers, and food offerings on this day reflect the deep reverence that devotees have for this powerful form of the Goddess. Through fasting, Kanya Puja, special pujas, and community activities, devotees seek to invoke Siddhidatri’s blessings for spiritual fulfillment, balance, and the attainment of divine grace.

As Navratri comes to a close, the focus shifts to celebrating the victory of good over evil, a theme that runs throughout the festival. Day 9 serves as a crucial step in this journey, offering an opportunity for spiritual growth, reflection, and the deepening of one’s connection with the divine.