PM Modi Celebrates Goddess Siddhidatri on Navratri, Sharing Inspirational Verses

New Delhi, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media on October 19 to honor Goddess Durga, specifically invoking the blessings of Goddess Siddhidatri as Navratri draws to a close. In a post on X, the Prime Minister shared a Sanskrit verse, reflecting on the divine protection offered to those who meditate on the goddess.

The verse shared by PM Modi reads: “यैस्तु भक्त्या स्मृता नूनं तेषां वृद्धिः प्रजायते. ये त्वां स्मरन्ति देवेशि रक्षसे तान्न संशयः.” Translated, it conveys that those who remember the goddess with devotion will surely experience growth and prosperity. He emphasized that the goddess protects her devotees from hardships without a doubt.

This particular verse is the eighth from the “Shri Devi Kavacham” (Durga Kavach), which describes the various forms of Goddess Durga and the significance of her remembrance and protective powers. The preceding verses focus on liberation from challenges, warfare, and fear.

On the final day of Navratri, devotees are worshipping Goddess Siddhidatri, whose name signifies the giver of ‘siddhi’ or perfection. She is believed to bestow eight divine powers, including Anima, Mahima, Garima, Lagima, Prakamyata, Ishitva, and Vashitva.

Goddess Siddhidatri is depicted riding a lion, with four arms adorned with a mace and discus in her right hands, while a lotus and conch shell grace her left hands. This form symbolizes strength, achievement, and divine wisdom.

According to mythology, Lord Shiva attained numerous powers through the grace of Goddess Siddhidatri. It is said that her blessings allowed Shiva to manifest half of his form as Shakti, leading to his recognition as Ardhanarishvara, representing the unity of masculine and feminine energies in creation.

Devotees often offer kheer, halwa, puris, black chickpeas, and seasonal fruits to the goddess. Special prayers and offerings of red or blue flowers, particularly lotuses, are made on this auspicious occasion, with the ritual of worshipping young girls and offering them prasad being especially significant on the day of Maha Navami.