SHARDIYA NAVRATRI 2023: Navratri, the vibrant nine-day-long festival, is observed with great enthusiasm. According to Drik Panchang, Lord Rudra worshipped Adi-Parashakti, the Goddess of Power, on day 9. It is believed that Goddess Adi-Parashakti existed without a form until she appeared as Siddhidatri from the left half of Lord Shiva. Siddhidatri has four hands, holding a Gada and Chakra in her right hands, while a lotus flower and Shankh in her left hands.
Mahanavami marks the final day of Durga Puja. The celebration begins with Mahasnan (holy bath) and Shodashopachar Puja. On Maha Navami, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Mahisasuramardini, signifying her role as the Annihilator of the Buffalo Demon.
The timing of Maha Navami Puja and fasting can change based on when the Navami day begins. If the eighth day (Ashtami) and the ninth day (Navami) combine before midday (Sanyakal) on Ashtami, both Ashtami Puja and Navami Puja, including special Sandhi Puja, are observed on the same day.
On this day, Kanjak, or Kanya Pujan is also performed. Let’s take a look at shubh timings, dates, and other important details related to Maha Navami 2023.
Maha Navami 2023: Date & Shubh Muhurat
This year, Maha Navami will fall today on Monday, October 23. The auspicious Navami Tithi commences at 7:58 PM on October 22 and concludes at 5:44 PM on October 23.
Navratri Day 9: Puja Vidhi
On this day, a special havan is performed. A red cloth is placed on a wooden platform and the idol of the Goddess is kept on it. Devotees perform aarti and havan rituals. After puja, bhog is offered to the diety.
Navratri Day 9: Mantra
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah
Prarthana
Siddha Gandharva Yakshadyairasurairamarairapi।
Sevyamana Sada Bhuyat Siddhida Siddhidayini॥
Navratri Day 9: Significance
Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri, she sits on Kamal and rides on the lion. It is believed that Goddess Siddhidatri provides direction and energy to planet Ketu. Hence planet Ketu is governed by her.
Maa Siddhidatri who is regarded as a divine manifestation of Shakti and is believed to bless her devotees with siddhis: fulfillment and perfection. Even Lord Shiva received all his Siddhis through the blessings of Goddess Siddhidatri.
She is worshipped not only by humans but also by Devas, Gandharvas, Asuras, Yakshas, and Siddhas. When Goddess Siddhidatri emerged from Lord Shiva’s left half, he was bestowed with the title of Ardha-Narishwar.
Devotees seek her blessings and pray for the well being of their loved ones.
Navratri Day 9: Bhog for Maa Siddhidatri
Maa Siddhidatri’s preferences include yellow flowers, particularly yellow roses and fruits like bananas. She has a special fondness for sweets.
On this day, those following Navratri fasts conclude by offering traditional dishes like Poori, Sooji Halwa, and Sukha Kala Chana to nine young girls, affectionately known as Kanjak or Kanya Pujan.
These nine girls represent the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Sailaputri, Brahmacharini, Andraghanta, Kusamanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
As per the ritual, Kanya Pujan starts with the tradition of washing the feet of young girls. After this, a kumkum and rice tilak are applied on their foreheads. A sacred thread is also tied around their wrists. They are then treated to prasad, including tender coconut, Poori, halwa, and Kala chana.
(* Video Source: @narendramodi/X, formerly Twitter)
