Inspiring Lessons from Navratri : Day 9 : Maa Siddhidatri by Anupama Vaidya

 

 The divine feminine energy through Mahagauri’s radiance, the day 9 emerges with Goddess Durga showering and bestowing her blessings through Maa Siddhidatri. As the 9^th day of Navratri, we see yagna pooja across being performed, offerings being made to the Divine feminine energy and blessings sought.

Maa Siddhidatri translates to Giver of Spiritual Power

It is believed that one side of Lord Shiva’s body is that of Goddess Siddhidatri. Therefore, he is also known by the name of Ardhanarishwara. According to Vedic scriptures, Lord Shiva attained all the siddhis or perfections as we understand by worshiping this manifestation of Goddess Durga as Maa Siddhidatri.

Through Goddess Mahashakti were born the Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh, while through Maa Siddhidatri’s manifestation, she is said to have provided the three Gods (Brahma ,Vishnu and Shiva) with miraculous powers to carry on their duties as creator, preserver and destroyer – the cycle of life.

The motherly nurture, giver and blesser, mentor ; all depicted through the divine feminine energy, the 9^th day reinforces these qualities to all of us. In this form, she removes ignorance and she provides the knowledge to realize that

Maa Siddhidatri is depicted as being seated on a lotus or a lion. She has four arms and holds a conch shell, a mace, a lotus and a discus in each of these hands. Once again representing, purity, energy, cycle of motion, power to destroy ignorance – all related to spiritual enlightenment.

Maa Siddhidatri reminds of the 8 types of siddhis which one must possess to attain complete knowledge and to gain divinity:

1)      Anima – means reducing one’s body to the size of an atom;  Signifies the ability to be extremely subtle and unobtrusive, making it easier to navigate social situations and remain unnoticed when necessary.

2)      Mahima – means expanding one’s body to an infinitely large size; In practical terms, it represents the power of magnanimity and the capacity to expand one's influence and presence, making a positive impact on a larger scale.

3)      Garima – means becoming infinitely heavy; For us as common people, it symbolizes the strength to endure heavy burdens or responsibilities in life with grace and determination

4)      Laghima – means becoming weightless or incredibly light. In everyday life, it signifies the ability to let go of unnecessary baggage, both physical and emotional, enabling a sense of lightness and freedom.

5)      Prapti – means having omnipresent; power to attain anything, anytime, anywhere. In practical terms, it can be seen as the ability to manifest opportunities and resources when needed and seize them effectively.

6)      Prakambya – means achieving whatever one desires;  power to fulfill any desire or wish. For ordinary individuals, it represents the importance of setting clear intentions and having the determination to achieve personal goals and desires.

7)      Ishitva – means possessing absolute lordship or divine control over elements and beings. In everyday life, it signifies the ability to take charge and lead effectively while maintaining humility and compassion.

8)      Vashitva – means having the power to subjugate all, the power of absolute mastery over all natural forces. In simpler terms, it encourages individuals to master self-control, inner peace, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with equanimity.

 

Maa Siddhidatri leaves a deep learning of how she bestowed these on the deserving, it shows her being the coach, mentor to the seeker and putting them in the right hands who can make the best use of these Siddhis. She reminds us of doing karmas selflessly, attainment of a spiritual level so that the giving is meaningful.

Through her manifestation, we see that the 8 siddhis can be applied to everyday life. Navami emphasises qualities such as subtlety, magnanimity, resilience, freedom from burdens, intention setting, determination, leadership with humility, and self-mastery. Offering valuable lessons for personal growth and spiritual development in our common journey through life.

Through this 9 days of Navratri, every manifestation has left an indelible mark on our meaning of life – a  blend of determination, a purity and clarity of purpose, discipline, courage, creativity, compassion, resilience, commitment, excellence, fierceness to stand up for what’s right, self awareness and the list goes on and on. These qualities, symbolized by the goddesses, can inspire and guide us in our pursuit of discovery of our inner self and true potential. Wishing you all an amazing festive season. Shubh Navratri!