Chaitra Nvratri Mata Siddhidatri & Ram Nawami Greetings

 

Shubh Chaitra Navratra Day 9 – Ma Siddhidatri & Rama Nawami,Eternal Holidays , the 2^nd Online Travel, Varanasi, Uttar Prdesh, India

Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga, is worshiped on the ninth day or the Mahanavami. This Goddess can be seen surrounded and worshiped by men, demons, Gods and yakshas (celestial beings). She is the giver of all siddhis (perfection) and ready to bestow happiness on her followers.

It is believed that one side of Lord Shiva’s body is that of Goddess Siddhidatri. Therefore, he is also known by the name of Ardhanarishwar. According to Vedic scriptures, Lord Shiva attained all the siddhis by worshiping this Goddess.

According to Hindu Shastras like Markand Puranas, this Goddess helps devotees in attaining perfection in Mahima, Garima, Ladhima, Prapti, Prakaamya, Ishitya and Vashitva. According to Brahmavaivart Purana, the Devi can bestow 18 different types of siddhis or perfections. These siddhis are Mahima, Garima, Ladhima, Prapti, Prakaamya, Ishitva and Vashitva sarvakaamaal, Saadhita, Sarvagynatva, Amaratva, Sarvanyayakatva, Bhavana and Siddhi.  Worshiping Maa Siddhidatri wholeheartedly heart helps devotees attain perfection along with happiness and purity of heart.

This four-armed avatar of Devi Siddhidatri clad in a red saree is seen sitting on a lotus flower. She is also seen mounted on a lion. She is depicted holding a Gada (mace) in her upper right hand, a chakra in her lower right hand, a lotus flower in her lower left hand and a conch-shell in her upper left hand. It is said that one can even see a disc of light around her golden crown. This light is believed to instill devotion in the heart of devotees towards the Supreme Power and liberation from karmic bindings. Goddess Siddhidatri bestows occult powers on her worshipers and is therefore revered by beings from all three realms i.e. heaven, hell and earth.

On the ninth day of Navratri, devotees bathe themselves early morning and worship the ‘Navratri Kalash’. All the chapters of ‘Durga Saptashi’ are recited and Mahanavami fast is observed. The devotees please the Goddess by performing puja, hawan and chanting Siddhidatri Pujanmantras. Devotees offer her nine oranges, burn incense, light earthen lamp, offer fragrant flowers, fruits, gems and clothing as a part of the puja ritual.

Siddh Gandharv Yagyadhair Surair Marairapi
Sevyamana Sada Bhooyaat Siddhida Siddhi Dayanee.

Meaning: “The ways in which all the gods, goddess and divine souls worship you, in the same manner we worship you. Kindly grant your blessings on us.”

Some devotees perform Kanya pujan on this day instead of Ashtami (eighth day). Devotees invite nine young girls to their house and worship them. These girls represent the Navdurga or the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. Devotees ensure that these colorfully dressed girls are seated on pedestals and offer them black chana, puris and halwa. As a part of the ritual, they also present them with money and clothes. They apply tikas and touch their feet to seek their blessings before bidding farewell to them.

Rama Nawami

Rama Nawami is a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya. Lord Rama was the seventh avatar of Vishnu. When Lord Rama was born, it was a joyous occasion as King Darsharatha’s heir was born after long struggle. Lord Brahma was receiving many complaints about Ravana about the havoc he was creating. Ravana has many boons from Lord Brahma. One among them is that he cannot be killed by gods. So Lord Brahma said Lord Rama in human avathar. Lord Rama is a legendary figure who defeated the demon king Ravana.

          Rama Nawami is celebrated on the 9th day of Chaitra month in Hindu calendar. According to English calendar it falls in the month of March/April. It is celebrated in all parts of the country, but mainly celebrated in Ayodhya, Sita Samahit Sthal, Bhadrachalam and Rameswaram.

          In some places it is celebrated for nine days and it is known as Sri Rama Navaratra. It is marked by continuous performances of Akhand Paath mostly of the Ramacharitamanas. It is elaborated with bhajan, aarthi, kirtan and prasad after the puja. Rama is believed to be born in noon, so all the temples are arranged in the traditional way and prayers are done in the morning itself. Special havans along with Vedic chanting of mantras are organized in the temples. Some devotees mark this day by fasting through the day followed by feasting in the evening.  

Ramesh Verma CMD , the 2^nd Online Travel Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India , Eternal Holidays