Devi Navratri Siddhidatri Puja 2026

Mahanavami: Siddhidatri Puja

Siddhidatri Puja is performed on the ninth and final day of Devi (Sharad) Navratri, on Ashwayuja Shukla Navami, known as Mahanavami. Siddhidatri, the ninth Navadurga, is the mother who grants every siddhi and fulfils her devotees' wishes. In Telugu homes, Ayudha Puja is also performed on this day.

The Glory of Siddhidatri

The Puranas describe Siddhidatri as the giver of the eight siddhis: Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishitva and Vashitva. Devotees believe that even Lord Shiva gained these siddhis through her grace, and that half of his body then became the goddess, giving rise to his Ardhanarishvara form. She is shown seated on a lotus, sometimes on a lion, holding a discus, conch, mace and lotus in her four hands, and is served by devas, rishis, siddhas and gandharvas.

Siddhagandharvayakshadyair asurair amarair api | Sevyamana sada bhuyat siddhida siddhidayini ||

Mahanavami Puja Steps

• Bathe early and perform a special puja for the Kalasha and the Akhanda Deepam you have tended for nine days.
• Chant "Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namaha" and, if possible, complete your Lalita Sahasranamam or Durga Saptashati parayanam.
• Many families offer sesame, pulihora, payasam and sweet pongal as naivedyam.
• Ayudha Puja: Clean vehicles, tools, machines and books, apply turmeric and kumkum, decorate them with flowers and worship them. Shops and factories also hold this puja.
• Some families perform Kumari Puja and a homam on this day.

Mahanavami in the Telugu States

Special pujas and alankarams are held on Mahanavami at Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada and at Srisailam. At home, elders place children's books before the goddess and pray for their success in studies. Dasara concludes the next day with Vijayadashami, when those who fasted during Navratri perform their parana.

Significance

Elders say that Siddhidatri Puja brings completion to nine days of Navadurga worship. Devotees pray to her for success in their efforts, knowledge and peace of mind. Her form reminds us that the greatest siddhi is a mind free of ego.

May Siddhidatri bless everyone so that all their good resolves are fulfilled.