Siddhidatri

Siddhidatri is a Hindu goddess, regarded as the ninth form of Durga or Shakti in the tradition of Navadurga. The name derives from Sanskrit, with siddhi meaning attainment or accomplishment, and datri meaning giver or bestower. Thus Siddhidatri is often described as the giver of siddhis, or spiritual powers, through devoted practice and grace.

In the Navadurga sequence she represents the culmination of the goddess’s forms and the culmination of yogic and spiritual attainment. Devotees associate her with the eight or more siddhis described in classical yoga and tantra literature, and she is believed to bless practitioners with mastery over perception, space, and matter, when aligned with ethical and spiritual aims. While many traditions emphasize the transformative and liberating aspects of spiritual powers, the focus in worship is typically on growth, discipline, and inner realization.

Iconography of Siddhidatri varies by region and text, but she is commonly depicted seated on a lotus, sometimes with multiple arms bearing symbolic attributes that signify siddhis. Descriptions of her appear in various Hindu scriptures that treat Navadurga and the broader theme of the goddess’s powers.

Worship and significance: Siddhidatri is honored on the ninth day of Navaratri in many communities. Devotees seek her blessings for spiritual progress, resilience, and the responsible use of power. In broader practice, she embodies the goal of yoga and devotion: the achievement of supreme knowledge, serenity, and liberation through the grace of the Divine Mother.