Introduction

Goddess Siddhidatri is the 9th manifestation of Navdurga, and, is worshipped on the 9th day of Navratri. The day is considered to be the last day of the ‘Navratri Festival’, so it holds a special significance in terms of gaining Siddhis from Goddess Durga. The devotees perform special pujas for this and pray from Siddhidatri for Siddhis(knowledge). 

Goddess Siddhidatri is considered to be the provider of all kinds of Siddhis. In Hinduism, eight kinds of siddhis exist: Anima, Mahima, Laghima, Garima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva & Vasitva. Scroll down to learn more about them in detail in this insightful article.

Goddess Parvati As Mother Siddhidatri

In the earlier Blog ‘Goddess Kushmanda: The Energy Worshipped On The 9th Day Of Navratri’, you learned how Goddess Kushmanda created the universe from the void. When the universe was filled with darkness, Goddess Kushmanda filled the entire space with a beam of light and appeared in a divine form.

She then created a trinity—Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva—and instructed them on their duty. Hence, to fulfill their duty, they went on deep meditation and performed ‘Sadhna’ with great dedication. Goddess Kushmanda was pleased with their ‘Sadhna’, created another goddess, ‘Goddess Siddhidatri’, and bestowed them with power. 

Goddess Siddhidatri presented Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Parvati, and Goddess Lakshmi to Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu respectively, as the consort and directed them that their power will reside in their consorts. 

She became so pleased with Lord Shiva’s Sadhna that she provided him with ‘AshtSiddhis - Anima, Mahima, Laghima, Garima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva & Vasitva’. You will learn about these in detail in the below lines. 

Goddess Siddhidatri Depiction

Goddess Siddhidatri is depicted with four hands sitting on a Lotus Bed or Mounted on a Lion. She holds “Gada (Mace)” & “Chakra (Discuss)” in her Right hand and “Shankha (Conch)” & “Kamal (Lotus)” in her left hand. 

Image: Goddess Siddhidatri

Significance Of Various Iconographies

Gada (Mace):

Gada is the ancient weapon mostly recognized as the main weapon of Lord Hanuman. It symbolizes the strength. Goddess Siddhidatri holds Gada which showcases her ability to overcome challenges and power to crush obstacles. 

Chakra (Discuss):

Chakra or Discuss is the ancient weapon and the primary weapon of Lord Vishnu and his Avatars. Lord Krishna is also remembered for his association with Sudarshan Chakra. 

It is a circular disc-like weapon that symbolizes the time cycle and the eternal nature of the universe. Goddess Siddhidatri holds Chakra in his Right hand which signifies her ability to cut obstacles in the life of her devotees and instruct them to move forward with confidence. 

Kamal (Lotus):

The lotus is considered a sacred and auspicious flower in Hinduism. It signifies purity and spiritual awakening. 

Goddess Siddhidatri holds the Lotus in her left hand because of its auspiciousness and the quality of rising above all the difficulties and challenges just as the Lotus rises from the murky water. 

Apart from Goddess Siddhidatri, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Brahma, and Goddess Shailaputri also have a deep association with the sacred Lotus flower. 

Conch (Shankh):

A Shankha or Conch is the cell of any sea snail, that is used as the blowing instrument after every puja (Worship) by Hindus. It is considered sacred and auspicious in Hinduism, that’s why Shankha is kept in every Hindu house in the puja room. They do this with the belief that It will bring good luck and prosperity into their homes. 

Hindus practice the blowing of Shankha after the end of a ritual or worship to god as it brings auspiciousness to the house and prevents any negative energy from entering the house. In Hindu practices, none of the worship or Puja is complete without the ‘Shankhnad (Blowing of Shankha)’.

In Hindu Tradition Shankha Bangles, Bracelets, and other objects made of Shankha are worn out, especially by married Hindu women. It symbolizes her state of being married. Gifting a Shankha Bangles to a girl at her wedding is a symbol of fortune and blessing. 

There exist two kinds of Shankha namely ‘The Vamavrata Shankha’ and ‘The Dakshinavrata Shankha’. The Vamavrata has anti-clockwise spirals which represent the reversal law of nature. While the Dakshinavrata has clockwise spirals and represents prosperity. The Dakshinavrata Shankha is rare to be found as it is considered to be the abode of the goddess Lakshmi. 

Understanding The Etymology Of The Word Siddhidatri

‘Siddhidatri’ is a Sanskrit origin word formed with the association of ‘Siddhi’ and ‘Datri’ which represents ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Provider’ respectively. Hence, ultimately it gives the meaning of ‘Provider of Siddhis’. 

Goddess Siddhidatri is believed to be the source of all the knowledge and power that exists in this nature and its inhabitants. So whether it is a Human, Devas, Asuras, Kinnar, Pashu (animal), etc. all worship goddess Siddhidatri for ‘Siddhis’ or ‘Power’.

Types Of Siddhis

In Hinduism, there are 8 classical Siddhis that are discussed in Vedas, Upanishads, and many Hindu sacred texts. They are Anima, Mahima, Laghima, Garima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva, and Vasitva. 

Anima – This is “Siddhi” which gives the ability to reduce one’s body size to an atom. 

Mahima - This is “Siddhi” which gives the ability to expand one’s body size up to infinity. 

Laghima - This is “Siddhi” which gives the ability to become weightless even than the air. 

Garima - This is “Siddhi” which gives the ability to become heavy or dense. 

Prapti - This is “Siddhi” which gives the ability to realize one’s desire. 

Prakamya - This is “Siddhi” which gives the ability to access any place in this world. 

Isitva - This is “Siddhi” which gives the ability to control all material elements or natural forces. 

Vasitva - This is “Siddhi” which gives the ability to force influence on anyone. 

Goddess Siddhidatri Temples  

There are many temples of Goddess Siddhidatri in various locations of India. They are Siddhidatri Durga Temple Varanasi, Siddhidatri Temple Satna, and Siddhidatri Devi Temple Karnataka. Learn about them in the below lines:

Siddhidatri Durga Temple, Varanasi:

Siddhidatri Durga Temple, at Varanasi, is situated at Siddheswara Mohalla in Varanasi. Varanasi is the only city in India to have temples dedicated to all the nine manifestations of Navdurga. 

Siddhidatri Temple, Satna:

Siddhidatri Temple, in Madhya Pradesh, is situated at Chanakyapuri Colony in Satna, Madhya Pradesh. 

Siddhidatri Devi Temple, Karnataka:

Siddhidatri Devi Temple is the temple dedicated to goddess Siddhidatri in Karnataka at Magadi – Ramanagana Road, Siddedevarbetta state forest. 

Why To Worship Goddess Siddhidatri

Goddess Siddhidatri is considered to be the source of all cosmic powers, energies, knowledge, and Siddhis. Therefore worshipping her will bestow with Siddhis and Knowledge to her devotees. 

Highlights 

After you learn everything about Goddess Siddhidatri in the above lines, here are the important highlights from the article. 

(a) Goddess Siddhidatri is the 9th manifestation of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the 9th day of Navratri.

(b) She is the source of all cosmic power, energies, and knowledge. Hence she bestows expertise and power to her devotees. 

(c) In Hinduism, the Ashtasiddhis are Anima, Mahima, Laghima, Garima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva, and Vasitva.

(d) Goddess Siddhidatri temples are in Varanasi, Satna, and Karnataka India. 

(e) Goddess Siddhidatri holds a mace and discusses Conch and Lotus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Goddess Siddhidatri, the 9th form of Durga, is revered as the provider of divine knowledge and the Siddhis, granting spiritual and material powers to her devotees. Worshiping her not only helps to overcome obstacles, but also, empowers individuals with strength, wisdom, and cosmic energy. Her symbols—the mace, discus, lotus, and conch—represent protection, purity, and prosperity. Her blessings are seen as a path to transformation, making her a powerful force of spiritual elevation and success.