Navratri Day 6: Significance of Goddess Katyayani

The sixth day of Navratri falls on Tuesday, October 8. During Shardiya Navratri, Hindu devotees honour Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navdurgas. These incarnations include Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri. On Day 6, devotees specifically worship Maa Katyayani.

Here's everything you need to know about Maa Katyayani:

Maa Katyayani, a formidable manifestation of the goddess Durga, is revered as Mahishasuramardini for her triumph over the demon king Mahishasura. Often portrayed riding a lion, she wields a sword and a lotus in her left hand, while her right hand is adorned with the Abhaya and Varada mudras, symbolising protection and blessings. Worshipped as the conqueror of evil forces, Katyayani's origin story is found in the Vamana Purana, where the divine beings, infuriated by Mahishasura's tyranny, combined their energies to create her. This divine power took form in the hermitage of the sage Katyayana, who shaped it into the fierce goddess. Thus, she is also known as Katyayani, reflecting her deep connection to the sage.

Worshipping the goddess Katyayani while dressed in orange is thought to bestow the worshipper with qualities of warmth and exuberance. The colour orange is linked to positive energy, enhancing cheerfulness and vitality in those who embrace it.

On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees are encouraged to wake up early, take a bath, and dress in new clothes. They should thoroughly clean the puja area and decorate the idol of Maa Katyayani with fresh flowers. While chanting mantras and offering prayers, devotees are advised to hold lotus flowers in their hands and present honey as prasad and bhog to the goddess, seeking her divine blessings.

Maa Katyayani is linked to the planet Brihaspati and embodies qualities of intelligence and tranquility. Her divine blessings are believed to purify devotees of their sins, dispel negative energies, and help them overcome obstacles. During Navratri, unmarried girls fast on the day dedicated to worshipping Maa Katyayani, seeking her blessings to find a suitable partner of their choice.

Prathana:

1. Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥

2. Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana।

3. Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthita।

4. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

Katyayanaumukha Patu Kam Swahaswarupini।

Lalate Vijaya Patu Malini Nitya Sundari॥

Kalyani Hridayam Patu Jaya Bhagamalini॥