Siddhidatri

Siddhidatri is the ninth and final Navadurga, worshipped on Navami, the ninth night of Navaratri. Her name means giver of siddhis, the traditional perfections. The eight classical siddhis are anima, mahima, garima, laghima, prapti, prakamya, ishitva and vashitva. A well-known tradition, mentioned in the Devi Purana, says that Shiva obtained these powers by worshipping her and that half of his body then took the female form of Ardhanarishvara.

She has four arms holding a mace, a discus, a conch and a lotus, and she sits on a lotus or rides a lion. A calm smile marks the image. Her colour is purple or saffron, her offering is sesame with halwa and puri, and champak is her flower. Her mantra Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah salutes the giver of siddhis. Tradition places her at the Sahasrara and beyond. As the last of the nine, she completes the cycle that began with the mountain-born Shailaputri.

On Navami, devotees conclude the vrata with a final lamp ceremony and often a kanya puja. The meaning of the siddhis is debated: for most householders the text is read as a spiritual idea rather than a literal power. Local practice for this last night varies widely.