Navaratri Day 9 — Maha Navami · Siddhidatri

At the beginning of creation, tradition says, Shiva worshipped the primordial goddess, and she granted him the eight siddhis — divine powers such as becoming tiny as an atom (anima) or vast as the sky (mahima). By her grace one half of Shiva became the goddess: Ardhanarishvara, half Shiva and half Shakti, showing that they are one. Close the whole series: the Narrator recalls all nine forms night by night, from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri, and the children wish each other a happy Vijayadashami tomorrow. Lesson: the greatest power is wisdom and the balance of strength and kindness.