The Story of Maa Siddhidatri and Ardhanarishvara Form

The ninth and final day of the holy festival of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Mother Siddhidatri. This form of the goddess is considered the provider of infinite perfections. A profound meaning is hidden in her name itself where Siddhi refers to supernatural powers or spiritual perfection and Datri means the goddess who provides them. It is believed that Mother Siddhidatri blesses her devotees with wisdom, success and the highest spiritual attainments. Among the ancient legends connected with her the most wonderful account is the one that explains how Lord Shiva himself received powers from her and was called Ardhanarishvara. This form represents the perfect union of masculine and feminine energy.

When the Gods Desired Siddhis

At the beginning of creation when the form of the universe was being constructed many divine energies had not yet fully manifested. The gods realized that powerful spiritual energies known as Siddhis are necessary for the balance of creation. These Siddhis represented extraordinary abilities such as victory over nature, knowledge beyond the senses and control over time and space. However these powers were not easily accessible. The gods knew that only the supreme feminine power of the universe could provide such abilities. Therefore they prayed to Adi Shakti. In response to their call the goddess appeared in her radiant form as Mother Siddhidatri who was seated on a lotus.

The Eight Siddhis Provided by Mother Siddhidatri

According to ancient scriptures Mother Siddhidatri is the mistress of those famous eight Siddhis for which sages perform penance for years.

Name of Siddhi	Description of Power
Anima	Ability to make oneself smaller than even the smallest
Mahima	Power to infinitely expand one's body
Garima	Ability to become infinitely heavy
Laghima	Power to become extremely light
Prapti	Ability to reach anywhere instantly
Prakamya	Power to fulfill every wish of one's own
Ishitva	Complete lordship over nature and elements
Vashitva	Ability to control all powers and beings

Even the Gandharvas, Yakshas and gods desired to obtain these powers.

The Intense Meditation of Mahadev

Lord Mahadev himself was included among those seeking divine knowledge. Although Shiva is considered the supreme yogi he performed deep meditation on Adi Shakti to understand the secret powers of creation. This difficult spiritual practice of his pleased Mother Siddhidatri extremely. When the mother appeared before him she blessed Shiva with divine knowledge and those Siddhis that operate the cosmic powers.

Manifestation of the Ardhanarishvara Form

As soon as the mother provided her blessing an astonishing transformation occurred. Lord Shiva absorbed a part of the energy of the goddess within himself. From this divine union a new form was constructed which is called Ardhanarishvara. In this form half the body is of Shiva and half the body is of Shakti. This form is a symbol of a deep truth that the existence of creation is not possible only with masculine energy or only with feminine energy. The universe is operated by the perfect balance of these two. This form of Ardhanarishvara reminds us of this very cosmic unity.

Significance of Worshiping Mother Siddhidatri

This story of Mother Siddhidatri reveals that even the greatest gods desire the blessing of the Mother Goddess. She is the ultimate source of knowledge, spiritual power and cosmic balance. On the ninth day of Navratri devotees worship the mother to obtain inner strength and spiritual satisfaction. It is believed that by her grace devotees rise above their limitations and move toward self knowledge. This story teaches us that the greatest power of the universe is not just force but the harmonious union of knowledge, energy and divine compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Glory of Mother Siddhidatri

Why was Mother Siddhidatri named Siddhidatri?
Siddhi means perfection and Datri means giver. Since she provides all types of Siddhis she is called Siddhidatri.

How did Lord Shiva become Ardhanarishvara?
While receiving Siddhis from Mother Siddhidatri Shiva ji assimilated the energy of the mother within him due to which half his body changed into a feminine form.

Which are the eight Siddhis?
Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishitva and Vashitva are those eight Siddhis that the mother provides.

What is the significance of the ninth day of Navratri?
This is the final day of Navratri when the perfection of all spiritual practices and the attainment of Siddhis happen with the worship of Mother Siddhidatri.

How is the form of the mother?
Mother Siddhidatri is seated on a lotus and she has four hands in which she holds a mace, a discus, a conch and a lotus flower.