Kathmandu, October 1 (Asvina 15): Today, being the Ashwin Shukla Navami and the final day of Navaratri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga, Siddhidatri Devi, is being worshipped with proper rites at Dasain Ghars (Dashain homes) or dedicated prayer rooms.
Significance of Goddess Siddhidatri
According to the Vedic Sanatana tradition, the ninth day of Navaratri is annually dedicated to the systematic worship of Siddhidatri Devi. She is called Siddhidatri because she grants Moksha (liberation) to those seeking it. She is also known as Siddhidayini as she is served by the Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Suras, and Asuras. She is considered the last, or ninth, of the Nava Durga (Nine Durgas).
It is a deeply held religious belief that worshipping Siddhidatri Devi with proper methods fulfils one's wishes. Various Puranas mention that Lord Brahma himself revealed the nine names of Durga Devi to the sage Markandeya. Merely remembering these nine names is believed to help a person easily overcome any hardship or crisis.
The Nine-Day Worship Schedule
The Navaratri festivities began on Monday, October 6 (Asvina 6), with the Ghatasthapana ritual performed in Dasain Ghars or prayer rooms, where barley shoots (Jamara) were sown as per Vedic procedures.
Day 1 (Oct 6): Worship of Shailaputri Devi.
Day 2 (Oct 7): Worship of Brahmacharini Devi.
Day 3 (Oct 8): Worship of Chandraghanta Devi.
Day 4 & 5 (Oct 9 & 10): Worship of Kushmanda Devi.
Note: As the Chaturthi (Fourth lunar day) occurred during the sunrise period on both days, both days were dedicated to the worship of Kushmanda, as informed by Prof. Dr. Devamani Bhattarai, a member of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Vikas Samiti and a religious scholar.
Day 6 (Oct 11): Worship of Skandamata Devi.
Day 7 (Oct 12): Worship of Katyayani Devi.
Day 8 (Oct 13): Worship of Kalaratri Devi.
Day 9 (Oct 14): Worship of Mahagauri Devi (on Ashwina Shukla Ashtami).
The final worship of Siddhidatri Devi is being performed today, on Ashwin Shukla Navami.
Observances and the Grand Finale
Throughout the nine days of Navaratri, texts like the Durga Saptashati (Chandi) and Shrimad Devi Bhagavatam, along with other Devi Stotras, are recited at the Ghatasthapana site. It is a spiritual tenet that worshipping the Goddess during Navaratri grants power (Shakti), wealth (Aishwarya), and knowledge (Vidya). This conviction forms the basis for the annual special worship of Goddess Durga by Vedic Sanatana followers from Ashwina Shukla Pratipada to Navami.
The sacred offerings (Prasad and Tika) received from the nine days of worship are worn from Vijaya Dashami up to Kojagrat Purnima. This year, Vijaya Dashami falls on Thursday, October 16. While Tika can be received from elders throughout the day, the auspicious time (Saiit) for those seeking it has been set for 11:53 AM by the Samiti.
Nepal celebrates the grand festival of Bada Dashain for fifteen days, as the religious offerings can be received until Kojagrat Purnima.
Today, on Mahanavami, the last day of Navaratri, there is a large gathering of devotees at the Shakti Peeths (power centres/temples) for worship and darshan. As it is the culmination of the Navaratri period, an even greater number of devotees are expected. The day is also celebrated with special worship, often involving Bali (ritual sacrifice), both at Shakti Peeths and in homes across the country.
