Navratras: Ma Siddhidatri is Worshipped on the Ninth Navratra

Ma Siddhidatri

Ma Siddhidatri, the Ninth Durga

Ma Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess Durga who is worshipped on the ninth or final day of the Navratras. ‘Siddhi’ means perfection in Sanskrit. Looking pleased, Goddess Siddhidatri holds a chakra in her right lower hand and a mace in the upper right. In the left lower hand, She has a conch and in her upper left hand, a lotus flower. She is usually shown ensconced in a lotus flower with the lion as her mount.

The Goddess Siddhidatri is capable of bestowing various occult powers. According to the Markandaye Purana, Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakaamya, Ishitva and Vashitva are the eight siddhis or supernatural accomplishments. Whereas Anima, Mahima, Garima, Ladhima, Prapti, Prakaamya, Ishitva,Vashitva, Sarvakaamaal, Saadhita, Sarvagynatva, DurShravana, Parkaayapraveshan, VakaSiddhi, Kalpavrushatva, Shrishti, Samharkaransaamarthya, Amaratva, Sarvanyayakatva, Bhavana and Siddhi are the eighteen supernatural skills as per the Brahmavaivarta Purana.

Lord Shiva as Ardhanarishvar

It is stated in the ‘Devi Purana’ that the Supreme God, Shiva, acquired all these siddhis by worshipping Maha Shakti. By Her grace the half body of Lord Shiva is composed of Goddess Shakti leading to his name ‘Ardhanarishvar’ which is famed the world over.

A treasure house of mystic powers or yantra tantra and knowledge or gyaan, this form of Durga is worshipped by all Gods, Rishis-Munis, Siddhas, Yogis, Sadhakas and devotees for acquiring siddhis or supernatural powers. Maa Durga dispels ignorance and makes us realize that everything is the Supreme Being or Brahman. If a sadhaka worships Her as per the conventional norms with dedicated devotion,She bestows 26 different wishes on him.

Navadurga

Navadurga is the Kuldevi (family goddess) of several Gaud Saraswat Brahmins in India. There are many Navadurga temples in Goa such as at Madkiam, Kundaim, Pale, Poingueinim, Borim. The temples at Redi and Vengurla of Maharashtra are famed.

Navratras: Maa Maha Gauri is Propitiated on the Eighth Navratra

Maa Maha Gauri

Maha Gauri, the Eighth Durga

The Eighth Durga is Maha Gauri who is worshipped on the eighth navratra. She is pristine white as a conch,the moon and the jasmine blossom. Eight years of age, She is equipped with four arms and the fairest complexion of all the Durgas Shaktis. Radiating peace and compassion,Maha Gauri is usually draped in a white or green sari and is often depicted as riding a bull. Maa Maha Gauri is said to have liberated the world from evil forces.

She is endowed with three eyes, rides a bull and has four hands. Her right hand is in the mudra of allaying fear and the lower right hand holds the trishul or trident. The left upper hand holds the damaru or tambourine and lower one is in a pose of blessing plus granting boons to Her devotees.Her power is said to be unfailingly and instantly fruitful.All sins of the past, present and future are expiated and we are purified in all aspects of life when we worship this form of Durga. Maha Gauri is calm, peaceful and exists in serene intelligence.

Lord Shiva & the Ganges

It is believed that while doing austere penance when the body of Gauri became dirty due to dust and earth, Shiva cleansed it with water of the Ganges. Soon after, Her body became bright like lightening and lead to her name Maha Gauri.

Navratras: Ma Kaalratri is Worshipped on the Seventh Navratra

Maha Saraswati

Maha Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, Learning and Art is revered for the next set of three days. It is an implicit belief that her worship enhances the spiritual knowledge of a devotee, freeing him of all materialistic bonds and earthly attachments.

Durga, the Mother Goddess

The seventh form of Durga, the Mother Goddess, is Ma Kaalratri and She is worshipped on the seventh day of the Navratras.

Ma Kaalratri

Ma Kaalratri

Black or blue-hued like the ratri or night with flowing tresses, Kaalratri is the seventh form of Nav-Durga. Her neck is adorned with necklaces flashing like lightening. She has three bright eyes which are round like the universe and terrible flames emanate from her breath. Her vehicle is a faithful donkey.

Her raised right hand grants boons to all worshippers and her right lower hand is in the mudra of allaying fears, thus making her devotees fearless. Her left upper hand clutches a cleaver, made of iron and there is a mashal or torch held in the lower left hand. She is black-hued like Goddess Kali. Acclaimed as the destroyer of ignorance, Kaalratri is the scourer and enemy of darkness. Her posture of protection assures us of freedom from the miseries of this mundane world.Being auspicious she is also hailed as ‘Shubhamkari’ – one who does good.

Ma Kaalratri Annihilates Raktabeeja

She killed Raktabeeja (a asura who had the power to produce a demon from every drop of blood that fell from his body.) The Goddess eventually licked the blood before it trickled to the ground and hence conquered and overpowered him.