Sharad Navrātri
DAY NINE - Mon 23 OCT
The HOME OF Kundalini & Goddess Siddhidhatri
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NINE DAYS, NINE AVATARS
9. Siddhidatri
On the ninth and final day of Navaratri, Mother Divine takes the form of Siddhidatri. Siddhi means ‘fulfillment’ or ‘perfection’ and datri means ‘giver’ or ‘awarder’. This Goddess bestows abilities that help achieve success to those who pray to her, and she is worshipped by beings of the three worlds – devas or gods, Asuras or demons and humans.
As a reminder of the process, first we became inspired (Shailaputri Devi) to learn the sacred scriptures (Brahmacharini Devi), and to practice sadhana (Chandraghanta Devi) in an effort to purify ourselves in such a way that all of our actions become tapasya (Kushmanda Devi).
Upon performing tapasya, support comes our way to nurture our divinity (Skandamata Devi), so that we are enabled to experience the purity of our true nature (Katyayani Devi).
Then, at the right time in our spiritual journey, when we are ripened and ready, our selfish ego is destroyed (Kalaratri Devi) and replaced with radiant divine light (Mahagauri Devi).
Finally, when our minds are completely matured, and we are ready to shoulder additional responsibilities, we experience perfection (Siddhidatri Devi).
When we reach the ninth step, our responsibilities naturally increase. Up until now we have been solely focused on elevating ourselves on the spiritual path.
With the blessings of perfection, we are now called upon and compelled to help others in the same way that we have been helped.
Siddhidatri Devi has a blissful expression on her face. She has four hands in which she holds a Chakra or discus, Shankh or conch shell, Trishul or trident and Gada or mace. In some images and statues, she is depicted holding a lotus instead of a trident. She is also seated on a blooming lotus and rides a lion.
Lord Shiva is believed to have attained all the siddhis by worshipping Mahashakti, the Supreme Goddess. With the blessings of Shakti Devi, Siddhidatri is believed to have originated from the left side of Lord Shiva. This is why Lord Shiva is known as Ardhanarishwara.
Goddess Siddhidatri possesses eight siddhis or spiritual powers:
1. Anima – the power to reduce to the size of an atom – Lord Hanuman had reduced himself to a minuscule version to search for Sita without anyone’s knowledge in the island of Lanka.
2. Mahima – the power to become enormous in size – Again, Lord Hanuman had become a gigantic version of himself to burn down the island of Lanka. Lord Vishnu also assumed a huge form in his Vamana avatar. With three steps, he was able to cover the three worlds.
3. Garima – the power to become very heavy in weight
4. Laghima – the power to become very light in weight
5. Prapti –the power to acquire anything at will at any time
6. Prakambya – the power to do anything you desire from flying to walking on water
7. Ishatva – power over all the elements of creation
8. Vashitva – power to control all the natural forces, and power over life and death
When we worship Siddhidatri Devi, the Divine energy enables miracles to happen in life. This energy makes the impossible, possible. You are able to think out of the box, and go beyond the reasonable and logical mind. This ability to see farther and wider beyond time and space helps you achieve unimaginable things in life.
Worshipping this Mother Divine will help you attain the fruits of your effort that are not in your hands. This is the significance of Siddhidatri Devi.
Ritual
Ritual is a way for us to be in relationship with the Divine and a way for us clear our karmic debt simply just by being alive. Being in this body is a divine blessing from the Divine Mother and a great responsibility. Ritual is considered Yajna; offering, worship, sacrifice and opens a doorway for the cosmic energies of the Devi to enter our world.
With all puja, there are 5 elements:
1. Preparation - light your ghee lamp or candle, take your seat. Light the incense. Prep and clear the space.
2. Purification - purify Durga with water, the altar and then yourself (dip your fingers in the bowl and flick it)
3. Invitation - open with the Ganesh mantra Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha once. Ganesh is envoked whenever we sit puja, to remove any obstacles that could obstruct our prayer or evolution.
4. Union - Siddhidhatri mantra (see below) any amount of times (can be chanted 108 times with mala for a longer ceremony).
5. Offering - offer her a leaf, flower. water or fruit, or all 4.
The main ingredient is devotion. Don’t worry about ‘getting it right’. This is a goal oriented tradition, not a ‘way’ oriented tradition.
Siddhidhatri Mantra
ॐ देवी सिद्धिदातरयायी नमः |