On the ninth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin (Ashwin Shukla Navami), devotees across Nepal are worshipping Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth among the Nava Durga, with rituals and devotion.
According to Vedic Sanatan tradition, Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on this final day of Navaratri every year. She is believed to grant liberation (moksha) to seekers, hence the name “Siddhidatri.” Served by Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Devas, and Asuras, she is also called “Siddhidayini.” She is revered as the ninth and last form of Nava Durga.
It is a religious belief that worshipping Goddess Siddhidatri fulfills one’s wishes. Ancient scriptures mention that Lord Brahma himself revealed the nine names of Goddess Durga to sage Markandeya. It is believed that simply remembering these nine names frees devotees from any form of suffering or crisis.
The Nine Days of Navaratri
- Day 1 (Ashwin 6, Monday): Ghatasthapana and worship of Goddess Shailaputri.
- Day 2 (Ashwin 7, Tuesday): Worship of Goddess Brahmacharini.
- Day 3 (Ashwin 8, Wednesday): Worship of Goddess Chandraghanta.
- Day 4 & 5 (Ashwin 9 & 10, Thursday & Friday): Worship of Goddess Kushmanda (due to overlapping of tithis).
- Day 6 (Ashwin 11, Saturday): Worship of Goddess Skandamata.
- Day 7 (Ashwin 12, Sunday): Worship of Goddess Katyayani.
- Day 8 (Ashwin 13, Monday): Worship of Goddess Kalaratri.
- Day 9 (Ashwin 14, Tuesday): Worship of Goddess Mahagauri.
- Day 10 (Ashwin 15, Wednesday – Maha Navami): Special worship of Goddess Siddhidatri.
Throughout the nine days, sacred texts such as Durga Saptashati (Chandi) and Shrimad Devi Bhagwat are recited, along with hymns dedicated to the Goddess. Worship during Navaratri is believed to grant strength, prosperity, and wisdom.
Vijayadashami & Continuation of Festivities
The offerings (prasada) from these nine days of worship are shared from Vijayadashami until Kojagrat Purnima. This year, Vijayadashami falls on Ashwin 16 (Thursday, October 2, 2025). Although tika and blessings can be received throughout the day, the auspicious time (sait) announced by the Nepal Panchang Determination Committee is 11:53 AM.
According to scriptures, Goddess Durga’s prasada can be received until Kojagrat Purnima, marking 15 days of the grand Bada Dashain celebration.
On Maha Navami, large crowds of devotees throng various Shakti Peeths across Nepal to offer prayers, worship, and animal sacrifices. Devotees also conduct rituals at home, making this day one of the most significant in the Dashain festival.
(RSS)
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