Navratri has come and gone but I am going back to finish up these drafts I had for each day. The ninth and final day of the festival celebrates Chamundeshwari and Siddhidatri. One who is the ultimate destroyer of evil, and hence an awe-inspiring protector, and the other, who is the “bestower of perfection” itself!
Saraswati: Revering Learning
In addition, on the ninth day, goddess Saraswati is worshiped with great devotion. It’s a significant day for students, scholars, musicians, and artists. As a young child, I had a special affinity for this because we used to keep all our text books, musical instruments, and other learning tools in front of the goddess’s idol and pray to her. And the books would be placed there until the next day. For Saswati puja day is dedicated to revering the goddess rather than engaging in studies, making it a joyful and relaxed time, especially for kids!
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The Culmination: Chamundeswari and Siddhidatri
Chamundeshwari
Goddess Chamundeshwari is a fierce form of Goddess Durga, worshipped as the slayer of demons and the protector of the universe. Known for her terrifying persona, she symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the destruction of malevolent forces.
Who is Goddess Chamundeshwari?
Chamundeshwari is often depicted as a powerful goddess seated on a lion, with a fearsome countenance and a blood-smeared sword in her hand. Her image embodies power and fierce protection. She is the form of Durga who defeated the demons Chanda and Munda, from whom she takes her name, Chamunda.
Despite her fearsome appearance, she is also revered for her protective nature toward her devotees. Worshippers seek her blessings for protection, courage, and victory over enemies, especially during challenging times or in battles against evil forces.
A Chamundeshwari Story: The Slaying of Chanda and Munda
One of the most famous stories of Chamundeshwari is her battle against the demons Chanda and Munda. These two demons were terrorizing the heavens and the earth, and the gods were unable to defeat them. In response, Goddess Durga manifested as Chamundeshwari. With her fierce roar and blazing weapons, she engaged the demons in battle and finally beheaded them, earning the title “Chamunda” after her victory.
Chamundeshwari’s triumph is celebrated as a symbol of the victory of righteousness over evil.
Siddhidatri
Goddess Siddhidatri is the ninth and final form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the ninth day of Navaratri. She symbolizes the fulfillment of desires, spiritual attainment, and ultimate knowledge.
Who is Goddess Siddhidatri?
Siddhidatri is depicted as a serene and compassionate goddess, seated on a lotus or a lion, holding a lotus, a mace, a conch shell, and a discus in her four hands. Her peaceful expression reflects her role as the giver of wisdom and supernatural abilities, bestowing divine powers on her devotees.
Her name literally means “the bestower of perfection,” with siddhi meaning perfection, and datri meaning the one who bestows/grants.
Devotees worship Siddhidatri to seek the realization of their spiritual aspirations, blessings for success in life, and fulfillment of their desires. She represents the culmination of the Navaratri festival, where her blessings lead to the ultimate attainment of knowledge and liberation.
A Siddhidatri Story: Blessing the Universe with Siddhis
In Hindu mythology, when the universe was nothing but a dark void, before any light or life, it is said that Goddess Siddhidatri created the supreme Hindu trinity and their partners. With her guidance, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva with the help of their respective partners, Saraswathi, Lakshmi, and Parvati, brought forth the universe and all that it holds within.
Siddhidatri then bestowed the 8 siddhis (eight main supernatural powers) on Lord Shiva. She further possesses 10 additional siddhis and has the power to bestow these blessings on her devotees.
Source/references/further reading: Wikipedia, Artarium
Related Reads and More
- Read the rest of the series in previous posts!
- When you visit Mysore, India, don’t forget to stop at the beautiful Chamundeshwari temple atop the hill there. It is a must-see
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, hope you have enjoyed this series into Hindu mythology and the feminine divine. I will bring other similar series in the future for sure as I have learned a lot myself than what I already knew about these stories and aspects.
