
MAA SIDDHIDATRI
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Shardiya Navratri Day 9:
Durga Puja and Navratri signify the conquest of the fair over vice. The auspicious event glorifies Maa Durga, her nine incarnations (Navdurgas), and her triumph over Mahishasura, the devil buffalo. The ninth day of Navratri or the fourth day of Durga Puja, known as Maha Navami, falls on Tuesday 4th of October this year.
On this blessed occasion, followers of Maa Durga honor her ninth form, Maa Siddhidatri. Navami marks the end of Durga Puja festivities, for Bengalis. It is accepted that the monster Mahishasura was slain on this day by the Goddess.
About Maa Siddhidatri:
She relaxes on a lotus and mounts a lion. She possesses four arms – in her right hand, she clutches a mace and Sudarshan Chakra, and in her left hand, she carries a lotus bud and a Shankh. She’s encircled by Yakshas, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and Asuras, who admire her.
Hindu legend explains that when the galaxy started, Lord Rudra respected Adi-Parashakti, the supreme Goddess of Power. Since she had no shape, Adi-Parashakti emerged in the form of Goddess Siddhidatri from the left half of Lord Shiva. Since then, Lord Shiva came to be hailed as Ardha-Narishwar.
Significance of Maha Navami in Navratri:
Maa Siddhidatri is the ninth avatar of Maa Durga. and her name denotes the one who gives us strength. Supporters adore her on Maha Navami, and it is believed that she takes away illiteracy from her devotees and blesses them with wisdom. She also awards them with all kinds of Siddhis (achievements ). Even Lord Shiva earned all Siddhis by the mercy of Goddess Siddhidatri. She also gives advice and stability to planet Ketu and regulates it.
The Mahanavami of Navratri is called Shakti Sadhana. Maa Siddhidatri is the last form of Maa Durga. According to spiritual notions, Goddess Durga destroyed Mahishasura on Mahanavami, therefore she is named Mahishasura Mardini. It is believed that by worshiping Goddess Siddhidatri on Navami with persistence and loyalty, devotees are gifted with good fortune and happiness. On Navami numerous people worship the Kanyas and conduct Havan.

Maha Navami Shubh Muhurat:
According to Drik Panchang, Maha Navami tithi will commence on 3rd October at 4:37 p.m, and it will halt at 2:20 p.m on 4th October 2022.
Brahma Muhurat – 4:38 a.m to 05:27 a.m.
Abhijit Muhurat – 11:46 a.m to 12:33 p.m.
Vijaya Muhurat – 2:08 p.m to 2:55 p.m.
Havan Muhurat – 06.21 am – 2.20 p.m.
Maa Siddhidatri Stotra Paath – 2.20 pm
Maha Navami Puja Vidhi and Rituals:
People should wake up early on Maha Navami to start the puja after Mahasnan to rid themselves of pollutants. Champa, lotus, or hibiscus flowers are offered to the Goddess, as they bring enjoyment to the family. During the worship, Maa Siddhidatri Mantra, Prarthana, and Stuti are recited. Mantras of the Goddess are chanted by sparkling a four-faced lamp.
Enact Havan at a favorable time and then break the fast at the climax of Navami Tithi. Some followers also conduct Sandhi Puja and dedicate 108 flowers and bilva leaves to Goddess Durga. The prasad prepared for the Kanya Bhoj can be dedicated. Maa Siddhidatri is supposed to be the Goddess who gives eight siddhis in her name.
Many devotees of Maa Durga accomplish the Kanya Puja or Kanjak Puja on Navami. They welcome nine young unmarried girls, known as Kanjak, into their homes as they are reckoned to be pure virtues of Goddess Durga. Believers honor the Kanjaks, soak their feet in the water, put tilak on their foreheads, fasten a holy thread on their wrists, and provide them Navami prasad of puri, halwa, and black grams.
Bhog offered on Navratri Day 9:
During Maha Navami, on the ninth day of Navratri, Maa Siddhidatri is offered a Bhog of til or sesame seeds. One can prepare dishes made of this ingredient and bestow them to the Goddess. For the bhog, one can prepare puri, halwa, and chana sabji. The same food is given to the girls during the Kanya Bhoj.
Color of Navratri Day 9 :
The color of the day for Maha Navami is pink. To worship Goddess Siddhidatri, disciples can wear pink-colored costumes on the ninth day of Navratri or the fourth day of Durga Puja. The color denotes full compassion, warmth, unity, unconditional love, and protection. The pink color is regarded as very auspicious for worshiping Maa Siddhidatri, as it conveys affection and womanhood.