In the story of Devi Kushmanda, the fourth form of Nav Durga, we saw how Devi Kushmanda created the entire cosmos from Her mere gentle smile. She created the Mahashaktis: Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. From these Mahashaktis, She created the Trinity and their consorts to keep the kalachakra (wheels of time) moving.
After Ma Kushmanda created the Trinity, Lord Shiva performed intense Sadhanas to play his role in creation. Then, Ma Kushmanda created another Goddess called Devi Siddhidatri, who graciously conferred upon Lord Shiva not just the eight ‘ashtasiddhis‘ but a total of 18 siddhis or perfections. These 18 siddhis encompassed the initial eight perfections, along with an additional ten secondary perfections as defined by Lord Krishna.
The Ashtasiddhis are:
🌸Anima: The ability to become infinitely small or to shrink oneself.
🌸Mahima: The ability to become infinitely large or to expand one’s size.
🌸Garima: The power to become extremely heavy or increase one’s weight.
🌸Laghima: The ability to become extremely light or decrease one’s weight.
🌸Prapti: The power to acquire anything desired or to reach any place at will.
🌸Prakamya: The ability to fulfil any wish or desire.
🌸Ishatva: The ability to control all material elements or natural forces.
🌸Vashitva: The ability to force influence upon anyone.
Our scriptures also mention some Upa-Siddhis (Minor Siddhis) like Doorshravan (clairaudience), Doordarshan (clairvoyance) etc. It means attaining that state in the subconscious mind, where you can feel what is going on in another person’s mind (or you can feel that even at the collective level).
Thereafter, Lord Brahma prayed for Her guidance to begin His work of creation. In a profound act of divine union, to enable the creation of the universe, the formless Adi Parashakti manifested from the left half of Shiva’s body as Ma Siddhidatri and Shiva and Shakti merged into the androgynous form of Ardhanarishwar, indicating to Lord Brahma that the union of the male and female energies is the ankur (seed) for all of creation.
Ma Siddhidatri blessed Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu with the Ashta Siddhis, enabling Lord Brahma to fulfil his role as the creator and Lord Vishnu as the preserver of the universe.
These Siddhis are possible at a subtle level and not at the physical level. Siddhi of self power/self discipline exists. Shuddhi (purification) leads to Siddhi and Shuddhi is only possible through Sadhana. As a reminder of the process, first we became inspired (Shailaputri Devi) to learn the sacred scriptures (Brahmacharini Devi), and to practise sadhana (Chandraghanta Devi) in an effort to purify ourselves in such a way that all of our actions become Tapasya (Kushmanda Devi).
Upon performing Tapas, 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.
On the final day of Navaratri, chant her mantra and ask Her for an attainment that will help you on your path, be it the removal of a negative tendency like anger or fear, or the addition of a positive quality, like more compassion and humility.
May Siddhidayini (the giver of perfection) who is always served by masters (siddhas), celestial musicians (gandharvas), tree spirits (yakṣas), demons, and gods, grant us with perfection in all we do!
There is a four syllable mantra often associated with Lord Ganesha and with Devi Siddhidatri, which means ‘may there be siddhi’ (or ‘may there be fulfilment’).
|| Siddhirastu || May there be complete accomplishment
In the Lakṣhmī Tantra (37.1-3), there is a discussion about the difference between mental worship and external ceremonial ritual (Nitya puja). Mental impressions (vasanas) govern what our mind thinks about.
There are two types of impressions. Those which are created by external factors (like advertisements and information you read) and those created by internal factors (like how you manage your feelings and the meaning you derive out of your experience).
Mental worship purifies the internal as well as external impressions created everyday. External worship (ceremonial rituals) purifies the stockpile of psychic impressions primarily caused by external factors.
The purification of these mental impressions is required for a clear and focused mind, which is required to attain success in any activity.
All distractions arise within the mind from leftover junk in the mind.
Siddhidatri is the goddess associated with clearing these mental impressions, and allowing us to create new neuro-pathways in the mind to create intentional ways of being and acting.
The name “Siddhidatri” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Siddhi” meaning “perfection” or “attainment,” and “Datri” meaning “giver” or “bestower.” As the embodiment of Siddhis (divine powers and perfections), Maa Siddhidatri is revered as the granter of spiritual achievements, knowledge, and fulfilment.
Maa Siddhidatri, showers her blessings upon you, bestowing extraordinary capabilities known as Siddhis. These Siddhis enable you to perform everything with utmost perfection. But what does Siddhi truly mean?
Siddhi signifies the attainment of your desires even before the yearning arises within you. You need not exert effort or take action to acquire something. With just a mere thought, your aspirations become a reality effortlessly. Siddhi grants you the power to manifest your intentions into truth, benefiting not only yourself but also those around you. Every task you undertake is accomplished flawlessly, leaving no room for imperfection. This is the essence of Siddhi.
With Siddhi, fulfilment and completeness permeate every aspect of your life. Your words hold tremendous power, shaping reality to align with your utterances. Your endeavours are marked by perfection and completion. This is the profound significance of Devi Siddhidatri.
By invoking and connecting with Ma Siddhidatri, you invite her divine energy into your being. Her blessings elevate you to a state of mastery, where your thoughts manifest effortlessly, and your actions are imbued with excellence. Through Siddhidatri’s grace, you embody the ultimate potential to lead a fulfilled and meaningful life in all spheres.
Remember, Siddhi is not merely a personal accomplishment but a force that radiates positivity and benefits the world around you. Embrace the blessings of Ma Siddhidatri, and let the divine perfection manifest through you, bringing harmony, joy, and fulfilment to all.
Maha Navami is a time of joy, devotion, and spiritual reflection as devotees bid farewell to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, including Ma Siddhidatri, with a sense of gratitude and reverence.
🌸Devi Siddhidhatri is a serene and radiant goddess, exuding a divine aura. The bestower, Datri, of mystic yogic powers, ashta siddhis, Ma is propitiated by humans, Devas, Gandharvas, Asuras, Yakshas and Siddhas.
🌸Resplendent in a red sari, Ma is blissfully seated on a pink lotus holding a fully bloomed lotus, conch, mace and chakra in her four beautiful hands. She has a beatific smile on Her face as She blesses Her devotees with Siddhis for success, peace and fulfilment.
She is surrounded on all sides by sadhus, sages, rishis, and Gods, who worship Her as Jaya-Victory. Here is the significance of Her form:
🌸Lotus: fully bloomed means she completes the blossoming of the spiritual aspirant. The consciousness which was just awakening (budding lotus) in the first chakra as Shailaputri Devi, has now travelled to the crown and fully bloomed above the head, as Siddhidatri Devi
🌸Worshipers: great sages and even demons go to her for the final attainment
🌸Mace: power, removes ignorance, final blow to ego
🌸Discus (chakra): cuts through our sanchit karmas
🌸Conch: symbolises victory. The sound takes us back to the source and the real Siddhi that she provides is the realisation that only she exists. She is the mistress of all achievements and perfections
🌸Red Saree: symbolises auspiciousness and action; She is always busy destroying evil, protecting, and gracing her devotees
How do we please Siddhidatri Devi and achieve the Ultimate Perfection? It is done by methodically following the nine step path – step by step!
There is no way to skip a step, and everyone progresses at their own natural pace. To quicken the process – start now! Sadhana Se Sambhav Hai! It is possible with sadhana!
Get inspired to live a life of Dharma, increase your sadhana, and perform tapas to attain perfection.
As you purify, you will become more receptive to the abundance of Goddess Durga’s blessings. Above all, have faith that the fruits will come to you when the time is right.
Devi Siddhidatri, the compassionate and benevolent goddess, bestows her devotees with profound blessings. Her blessings encompass various aspects of life, spirituality, and personal growth. Devotees who wholeheartedly seek the blessings of Devi Siddhidatri with devotion and sincerity are bestowed with these blessings, which bring about positive transformations and spiritual growth in their lives.
🌸Siddhidatri means the bestower of Siddhis, or success in both material and spiritual pursuits. Ma Siddhidhatri bestows success in Sadhanas, extraordinary spiritual powers, abilities, and attainments that assist in personal growth, spiritual progress, and self-realisation.
🌸Her blessings can take a devotee to higher realms of spiritual consciousness.
🌸Worshipping her invokes Her protective energies and brings blessings of divine guidance and protection to Her devotees.
🌸Siddhidatri’s blessings instil inner strength, courage, and confidence in her devotees, facilitating a deeper understanding of themselves, their purpose, and their spiritual potential.
In Durga Saptashati, King Surath and a Samadhi perform Nav Durga Sadhana for 3 years with utmost reverence and surrender. At the end of their sadhana, Mother Divine gives them darshan and grants a boon to Surath and Samadhi. Surat means an acceptable vehicle, ‘rath’ is a chariot, a vehicle. The most extraordinary vehicle is insight, wisdom. You just know right from wrong; you just rise above this duality, and samadhi is that oneness. That is the outcome. That is like the kundalini rising.
These demons that Maha Devi annihilates are divided into three categories. And they are the three knots along the way. Brahma Granthi, Vishnu Granthi and Rudra Granthi -knots that will create thoughts, knots that will sustain those thoughts and knots that will propel you to fulfil them or destroy them. But it is when you go above all three, you experience that oneness, and that is what Durga Saptashati is in essence. In this form of Siddhidatri, Maa Durga bestows immense grace and blessings of divine power, spiritual evolution and attainment of the state of Shiva Shaktityatmika (merging with universal collective consciousness). On the ninth day of Navratri, meditating on this form of Mother Divine, above the Sahasrara chakra, establishes an aspirant in Sat Chit Anand (Truth-Consciousness-Bliss).
Tantric invocation: Parachandi, Simhamukhi, or Narayani
The energy of the extremely powerful seed syllables of this mantra from the Devi Mahatmya in the Markandeya Purana, extols Mother Divine on the most important day of Navratri Sadhana. We offer infinite salutations to the one who is Narayani, the auspiciousness within all that is auspicious. Devi Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva, is the means of accomplishing all Dharmic desires, and is the sole refuge of all. Fill your heart with utmost reverence and love for Mother Divine today as She seats you in her lap blossoming like a tender flower. May She always be the centre of all your human endeavours. Hold tightly to Her lotus feet for there lies your one and only refuge.
May the grace of Ma Siddhidatri descend upon you!
⛰️Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namaha⛰️
🌸Jaganmatruke Pahimam! 🌸
🔱Om Namashchandikaye! 🔱
