The Navarathri festival is a time to fully devote oneself to the worship of Maa Durga and her nine divine manifestations-The Navadurga Goddesses. Each of the Navadurga Goddesses has a special place in their devotees’ hearts. From Day 1 of Navarathri, devotees fully immerse themselves in the prescribed traditional rituals, with the sole intent of gaining the favour of each of the Navadurgas. While many seek the fulfilment of their heart’s deepest desires, others seek salvation or moksha.
Top 10s Only presents a quick look at some of the rituals and practices associated with Day 9 of the Navarathri festival.
If you would like to check out the Significance of Day 8 of the Navarathri festival, you can do that here too on our site!
Significances of Day 9 of Navarathri
Day 9 marks the end of the awe-inspiring Navarathri festival. The Navadurga Goddess Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day of Navarathri.
1. The Name Of Goddess Worshipped On Day 9 Of Navarathri
The 9th-day Navarathri Goddess is called Goddess Maa Siddhidatri. The name Siddhidatri is a mix of two words- Siddhi refers to meditative powers and Dhatri means a person who gives. From this, we may infer that Goddess Maa Siddhidatri is a giver of divine knowledge. Maa Siddhidatri is known by a number of names such as Mahabhadra, Mahamaya, Varaprada, Padmakshi, Shivanuja, Kamarupa, etc.
2. The Speciality Of The Goddess Worshipped On Day 9 Of Navarathri
Day 9 Navarathri Goddess Maa Siddhidatri is known to possess 8 siddhis that are Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakambya, Ishtiva, and Vashitva. Goddess Maa Siddhidatri is the intellective form of Goddess Durga. Her story begins at a time when there was nothing but a void. Goddess Kushmanda then created her using her smile. She then created the Trimurti; Lord Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Lord Shiva wanted perfection bestowed upon him and so she created another Goddess Maa Siddhidatri who could do it. She is part of the Tridevi; Saraswati, Parvati, and Lakshmi.
Goddess Maa Siddhidatri has four hands and sits magnificently on a lotus, and her mode of transport is the lion. She holds a chakra (disc or wheel) and a gadha (mace) in her two right hands and a sangu (conch) and lotus in her two left hands. Her left leg is folded with her feet touching her right thigh. Her right leg is on the floor.
3. The Colour On Day 9 Of Navarathri
Navarathri day 9 colour is Peacock Green – The unique blend of green and blue depicts individuality, uniqueness, and the extraordinary that’s synonymous with the power-wielding Goddess Siddhidatri. This colour is the soulful amalgamation of nature much like Devi Maa Siddhidatri. Devotees are seen wearing this colour during the rituals and celebrations of the festival.
4. The Sweets To Be Offered On Day 9 Of Navarathri
On day 9 of Navarathri, a special dish called Akkaravadisal is prepared to offer the Goddess Maa Siddhidatri. It is made with milk, moong dal, white rice, jaggery, saffron, cashew and raisins. Gram and til payasam are also made as offerings.
5. The Snacks To Be Offered On Day 9 Of Navarathri
White chana or groundnut sundal is made as the Navarathri 9th day bhog. Sundal is a healthy snack too and is made from lentils, nuts, and spices.
6. The Other Food Items To Be Offered On Day 9 Of Navarathri
Other yummy offerings made to Goddess Siddhidatri during day 9 of Navarathri include halwa, puri and chana, fried gram or lentils, til (sesame) ladoos, and urad dal vada. All these can be seen arranged beautifully in thaalis and offered to the Goddess. Offering sesame seeds is considered very auspicious.
7. The Flowers To Be Offered On Day 9 Of Navarathri
Flowers offered to Goddess Maa Siddhidatri during the 9th day of Navarathri are lotus, marikozhundhu (marjoram), and any pink flowers.
8. The Rangoli On Day 9 Of Navarathri
A speciality of the 9th day of Navarathri is the rangoli made. It is different from other days because on this day shapes of weapons are drawn as rangolis or kolams. It is drawn using scented powders and is decorated with flowers.
9. The Raaga On Day 9 of Navarathri
Devotional songs in the Vasantha raaga are the trademark of the 9th day of Navarathri. It is considered an auspicious raaga and is known to have derived from Mayamalavagowla.
10. The Belief On Day 9 Of Navarathri
It is believed that worshipping Goddess Maa Siddhidatri evokes blessings of wisdom and destroys ignorance. 9 young girls are invited home and they are each considered a form of Durga. A special ritual called Kanya puja is performed in their presence. They are then given gifts and sweets. By praying to Goddess Maa Siddhidatri, devotees are blessed with peace and prosperity. This is the concluding day of Navarathri pooja and therefore is celebrated with much fanfare. It is believed the Goddess Maa Siddhidatri will bless her devotees with long life and good health.
Did we get all the rituals right? Do you have different rituals than these? Let us know in the comments. We would love to know.
Are you looking for more information about the traditions associated with the festival of Navarathri? Start at the beginning, with this article about the Top 10 Significances of Day 1 of Navarathri!