The ninth day of the holy festival of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Mother Siddhidatri. She is the form of the goddess who provides all Siddhis and operates the hidden powers of the universe. In ancient traditions she is described not only as the provider of spiritual abilities but she is also considered the guardian of cosmic balance. An extremely astonishing story related to Mother Siddhidatri is about such a demon who dared to obtain the most dangerous Siddhi of all which is the control over time itself.
The Ambition and Hallucination of Demon Kaalnemi
In ancient times there lived a powerful demon named Kaalnemi whose ambition was limitless. He believed that if he could control time no god or being could defeat him. To obtain this power Kaalnemi started an extremely severe penance. For thousands of years he remained absorbed in meditation so that he could wander freely in the past and the future. Due to his penance unrest began to spread across the entire universe. Even the gods began to feel the strange effects of time becoming unstable. In some places days were passing very quickly while in others years seemed to have stopped. The gods soon realized that if the demon gained full control over time the entire cosmic order would be shattered.
Manifestation of Goddess Siddhidatri and the Demand of the Demon
When the gods prayed for protection then Adi Shakti manifested in the form of Mother Siddhidatri. Unlike the fierce forms of war the mother appeared here with calm and complete authority. Just by her presence the turmoil spreading in the universe began to settle. The mother reached near that demon who was in deep meditation. As soon as the demon opened his eyes he found the goddess in front of him and he thought that his penance was successful. He immediately asked for that Siddhi so that he could bring time under his control. Mother Siddhidatri with great patience asked him why he wanted such power. The demon proudly declared that by controlling time he would rule the universe and make all gods powerless.
The goddess with a slight smile provided him a small experience of that power. For a moment the demon obtained the ability to go beyond time. But what he saw shook him to the core. He saw his own future where his destruction was happening due to his ego. He saw kingdoms being built and destroyed saw mountains falling and oceans changing their paths. He realized that no one can have control over time. His brain collapsed under the weight of this cosmic knowledge and his ambition ended. Thus the crisis that had come upon the universe was averted.
When the Gods Forgot Their Own Identity
Another interesting story related to Mother Siddhidatri is of the time when the gods themselves had lost their identity. Once a mysterious sage reached the assembly of the gods but the gods who were absorbed in the celebration of their victory did not pay attention to him. Feeling neglected the sage became angry and instead of weapons he gave a strange curse. Due to this curse the gods gradually began to forget who they were. Indra forgot that he was the king of heaven. The connection of Lord Agni with fire was broken and Lord Vayu did not remember that he had control over the air. Without an identity the gods became confused and powerless.
The balance of nature began to collapse. Rain stopped and the holy fire was extinguished. On the prayer of the sages Mother Siddhidatri appeared. Her radiant light began to erase the confusion of the gods. The mother explained that every divine power and identity actually originates only from the supreme energy of Shakti. When beings forget humility and awareness then their abilities become meaningless. With the blessing of the mother the memory of the gods returned and the balance of the universe was established again.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Glory of Mother Siddhidatri
Why was Mother Siddhidatri named Siddhidatri?
Siddhi means spiritual perfection and Datri means giver. Since she provides all types of Siddhis she is called Siddhidatri.
Why did demon Kaalnemi want to control time?
He wanted to become invincible by having authority over time and wanted to bring the gods under his control.
What teaching did the mother give about the Siddhis?
The mother taught that Siddhis are not for ego but are for maintaining the balance of creation.
What is the significance of the worship of the ninth day of Navratri?
Worshiping on this day provides mental clarity and spiritual power to the seeker through which he is able to understand the purpose of his life.
Why had the gods forgotten their identity?
The gods had become arrogant about their victory and they disrespected the sage due to which they forgot their powers and introduction.
