On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Katyayani, the embodiment of divine strength and valor, seeking blessings for courage, love, and marriage.
On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees revere Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Goddess Durga. She is known as the warrior goddess and symbolizes strength, justice, and righteousness. She is believed to have been born to Sage Katyayan, hence the name Katyayani.
Maa Katyayani is often depicted with four arms, holding a sword and lotus, while the other two arms are in Abhaya (blessing) and Varada (boon-giving) mudras. She rides a lion, embodying power and courage. She is especially significant for those who seek liberation from fear and evil forces.
📖 The Story Behind Maa Katyayani
According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura, the powerful demon king, had gained a boon that made him nearly invincible. He could not be killed by any man or god. The gods, helpless before his tyranny, combined their energies to create a powerful feminine force — Maa Durga. From this divine light, Maa Katyayani was born at the hermitage of Sage Katyayan.
Sage Katyayan worshipped her with devotion, and she agreed to take birth as his daughter. When Mahishasura’s tyranny became unbearable, Maa Katyayani went to battle. Riding her lion and armed with divine weapons, she fought fiercely and finally slayed Mahishasura, restoring peace and dharma in the world.
Thus, she is also celebrated as Mahishasuramardini, the slayer of Mahishasura.
🌺 Significance of Day 6 of Navratri
Day 6 of Navratri holds special significance for:
- Removing fears and obstacles
- Empowering oneself with courage and inner strength
- Seeking justice and righteousness
- Resolving marital delays and relationship issues
It is believed that unmarried girls worship Maa Katyayani to find an ideal life partner. In fact, the Gopis of Vrindavan are said to have worshipped her to get Lord Krishna as their husband.
🕯️ How to Perform Maa Katyayani Pooja
Here’s a simple step-by-step pooja vidhi for Navratri Day 6:
1. Early Morning Rituals
- Wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath.
- Clean your house and the puja area.
- Install the idol or picture of Maa Katyayani on a clean red cloth.
2. Offerings and Decoration
- Offer red flowers, especially rose or hibiscus, as red is her favorite color.
- Light a ghee lamp (deepak) and incense sticks.
- Place fruits, jaggery, honey, and halwa-puri as prasad.
3. Chanting and Mantra
- Recite the following mantra: “Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah”
Repeat it 108 times if possible. - You may also recite the Durga Saptashati, or Chapter 5 of the Devi Mahatmya, which narrates her slaying of Mahishasura.
4. Aarti
- Perform Durga Aarti and Katyayani Aarti with bells and claps.
- Offer camphor (kapoor) and rotate it in front of the idol.
5. Conclude the Pooja
- Distribute the prasadam among family and neighbors.
- Meditate and pray for strength, success, and protection.
💫 Observances and Remedies
- Wearing red or pink clothes is considered auspicious on this day.
- Chanting the Katyayani Mantra is especially recommended for those facing issues in marriage.
- Offering honey to Maa Katyayani pleases her and is said to bring sweetness in relationships and life.
📜 Katyayani Mantra for Marriage:
“Om Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadhishwari
Nandgopasutam Devi Patim Me Kuru Te Namah”
This mantra is powerful for those wishing to overcome obstacles in marriage or find a suitable partner.
🌟 Conclusion
Maa Katyayani stands as a symbol of divine power and fierce femininity. On the sixth day of Navratri, invoke her to conquer your fears, remove negativity, and usher in inner strength. Let her grace empower you to face life with courage, clarity, and confidence.