Siddhidatri is the ninth and final form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Siddhidatri” means “the giver of supernatural powers,” and she is depicted as a beautiful and serene form of the goddess.
Nav = nine and ratri = night. As the name implies, Navratri is a festival of nine consecutive nights. Navratri is a time of fasting, prayer, and devotion, and it is marked by the performance of puja (worship) ceremonies in temples and homes.
Navratri honors Navdurga … Nav Durga … nine forms of Goddess Durga.
They are:
These nine forms celebrate, honor and worship nine different incarnations, nine different colors and nine different qualities.
Siddhidatri
The word “Siddhidatri” means “the giver of supernatural powers,” and she is depicted as a beautiful and serene form of the goddess. Maa Siddhidhatri is the ninth and final form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. Her name is a combination of two Sanskrit words:
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Siddhi – meaning supernatural power or meditative ability
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Dhatri – meaning giver or awarder
So, Maa Siddhidhatri is the giver of Siddhis (spiritual powers).
Appearance :
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She sits on a lotus or a lion.
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Has four arms.
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Holds a chakra (discus), shankha (conch shell), gada (mace), and lotus.
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She blesses her devotees with wisdom, spiritual insight, and perfection.
As per the Hindu mythology, Siddhidatri is believed to be the embodiment of divine knowledge, wisdom, and supernatural powers. She is associated with the Sahasrara Chakra or the crown chakra, which represents spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine.
Significance:
Maa Siddhidhatri is believed to bestow all eight siddhis (spiritual powers) to her devotees:
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Anima – ability to become very small
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Mahima – ability to become huge
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Garima – ability to become heavy
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Laghima – ability to become light
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Prapti – ability to reach anywhere
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Prakamya – ability to achieve whatever one desires
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Ishatva – lordship
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Vashitva – control over all
Tales of Siddhidatri
1. The Creation of the Universe
One of the most well-known stories of Maa Siddhidhatri is connected to the origin of the universe:
In the beginning, there was only darkness, and Adi Shakti (the primordial divine energy) was formless. From her emerged Maa Siddhidhatri, the ultimate form of energy and perfection. She created Trimurti — Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Mahesh/Shiv (destroyer) — and bestowed siddhis (divine powers) upon them so they could perform their cosmic duties.
Especially, Lord Shiv worshipped her deeply, and she blessed him with all eight siddhis. Pleased with her devotion and energy, half of Shiva’s body became hers, forming the famous Ardhanarishwara form — a union of Shiv and Shakti (divine feminine).
2. Siddhidhatri & Lord Shiv’s Transformation
According to Devi Purana, Lord Shiva achieved all eight Siddhis by worshipping Maa Siddhidhatri. As a result of her blessing, he became Siddheshwar (the Lord of Siddhis). When Shiva received these divine powers, he was able to understand the complete nature of the universe.
To show that Shiva and Shakti are inseparable, Maa Siddhidhatri merged with him, forming Ardhanarishwar — half man, half woman. This symbolizes that male and female energies together maintain the balance of creation.
3. Siddhidhatri and the Devas
During the battles between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons), the gods turned to Maa Siddhidhatri for help. Through her divine wisdom and blessings, they received siddhis that gave them an edge in battle. The story reflects that true strength lies not only in physical might but in spiritual power and inner perfection.
4. Spiritual Significance for Yogis and Devotees
Many yogis and saints in ancient times meditated on Maa Siddhidhatri to gain spiritual siddhis. She is believed to reside at the Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra) — the highest spiritual center in human consciousness. Through deep meditation and devotion, seekers can attain enlightenment, perfection, and divine grace under her guidance.
Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth and final day of Navratri, and her worship is believed to bestow divine grace, knowledge, wisdom, and supernatural powers on the devotees. Her worship is also believed to help in achieving spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine.
During the ninth day of Navratri, devotees offer prayers and perform aarti to Siddhidatri. It is also believed that offering sesame seeds to her can help in achieving spiritual and material success.
Connection Between Maa Siddhidhatri & Ram Navami
1. Shared Date – 9th Day of Chaitra Navratri
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Maa Siddhidhatri is worshipped on the ninth (final) day of Chaitra Navratri, which coincides with Ram Navami — the celebration of Lord Rama’s birth.
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This day marks the culmination of the spiritual journey during Navratri, where the devotee reaches the highest state of devotion and energy, blessed by Siddhidhatri.
So, while Maa Siddhidhatri represents spiritual perfection, Lord Ram represents the ideal human being (Maryada Purushottam). On this sacred day, Shakti (divine energy) and Dharma (righteousness) meet.
2. Divine Completeness – Power (Shakti) and Dharma
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Maa Siddhidhatri grants spiritual powers (siddhis), wisdom, and self-realization.
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Lord Rama, born on this day, is a perfect example of how those divine qualities manifest in human life — humility, truth, justice, and devotion.
Together, they show us that inner power (Shakti) must be used to uphold truth and righteousness (Dharm) — the essence of Ramayan.
3. The Balance of Energy – Shiv, Siddhidhatri, and Ram
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As the story goes, Maa Siddhidhatri created Ardhanarishwar — the form of Shiv and Shakti in one.
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Rama, as the incarnation of Vishnu, symbolizes the balance and application of that energy in the world through righteous action.
How Devotees Celebrate This Connection:
On this day, many devotees:
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Perform Kanya Pujan (worship of nine little girls representing the nine forms of Durga).
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Offer special prayers to both Maa Siddhidhatri and Lord Ram.
Overall, Siddhidatri holds great significance in Navratri as she represents the power of divine knowledge, wisdom, and supernatural powers. Her worship is believed to bestow blessings of spiritual and material success, divine grace, and union with the divine.
