From Sadhana to Siddhi

The Emergence of Devi Siddhidatri

For Ma Siddhidatri’s story, we will have to go back to Devi Kushmanda (the fourth Nav Durga form), who created the Universe from her gentle smile. To keep the wheels of time moving, Ma Kushmanda created the Mahashaktis: Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. From these Mahashaktis emerged the Gods of the trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) and their consorts (Saraswati, Makshmi and Parvati).

Late,  Lord Shiva performed intense Sadhanas to play his role in creation. Ma Kushmanda created another Devi, Ma Siddhidatri, who kindly blessed Lord Shiva with not just the eight siddhis (ashta siddhis) but a total of 18 spiritual powers or perfections. 

These Ashtasiddhis are as follows: 

🌸Anima: The ability to become infinitely small or to shrink oneself.

🌸Mahima: The ability to become infinitely large or to expand one's size.

🌸Garima: The power to become extremely heavy or increase one's weight.

🌸Laghima: The ability to become extremely light or decrease one's weight.

🌸Prapti: The power to acquire anything desired or to reach any place at will.

🌸Prakamya: The ability to fulfil any wish or desire.

🌸Ishatva: The ability to control all material elements or natural forces.

🌸Vashitva: The ability to force influence upon anyone.

Scriptures also mention some Upa-Siddhis (Minor siddhis).

Thereafter, Lord Brahma prayed for Ma Kushmanda’s guidance for his role and work. In a profound act of divine union, the formless Adi Parashakti manifested from the left half of Lord Shiva’s body as Ma Siddhidatri. Shiva and Shakti merged as Ardhanarishwar (half-male, half-female form). Ma Adya Shakti, thus, indicated to Lord Brahma that the union of male and female energies is the seed of all creation. 

Ma Siddhidatri blessed Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu with the Ashta Siddhis, helping them with Creation and Preservation.

The Essence of Siddhis

‘Siddhidatri’ is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘Siddhi’, meaning perfection or attainment, and ‘Datri,’ meaning giver or bestower. Ma Siddhidatri is revered as the giver of spiritual achievements, knowledge, and fulfilment. 

Siddhis enable you to perform everything with perfection. But what does a Siddhi really mean?

Siddhi grants you the power to make your intentions come true, benefiting not everyone around. Every task you do is accomplished flawlessly, leaving no room for imperfection. Fulfilment and completeness flows through every aspect of your life. Your words have great power and can shape reality to match what you say. This is the real essence of Siddhi. 

Siddhis and Sadhana

Shuddhi (purification) leads to Siddhi and Shuddhi is only possible through Sadhana. The Navadurga Sadhana is a sweet reminder of this process. At first, we became inspired (Devi Shailaputri) to learn the sacred scriptures (Devi Brahmacharini), and to practise sadhana (Chandraghanta Devi) in an effort to purify ourselves in such a way that all of our actions become Tapasya (Devi Kushmanda).

Upon performing Tapas, support comes our way to nurture our divinity (Skandamata Devi), so that we can experience the purity of our true nature (Devi Katyayani).

Then, at the right time of our spiritual journey, when we are ready, our selfish ego is destroyed (Devi Kalaratri) and replaced with radiant divine light (Devi Mahagauri).

Finally, when our minds are completely matured, and we are ready to shoulder additional responsibilities, we experience perfection (Devi Siddhidatri Devi).

By the time we reach the ninth step, our responsibilities grow. So far, as a sadhak we’ve mainly focused on our own spiritual growth.

With the gift of Siddhi (perfection), we are now inspired and expected to help others, just as we got helped.