Navratri Day 6: Worship Maa Katyayani

Navratri's sixth day is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, the fierce warrior form of Goddess Parvati. She is celebrated as the destroyer of negativity and a symbol of courage, inspiring devotees to seek her blessings for strength, protection, and resolution of obstacles, particularly those related to marriage and relationships.

Significance of Day 6 and Goddess Katyayani

Maa Katyayani was born to sage Katyayan to vanquish the demon Mahishasura and restore righteousness. She rides a lion and is depicted with four hands, holding a lotus and sword, with the other two bestowing boons and protection. Worshipping her is believed to bring immense inner power, remove negative energies, and bless unmarried devotees with a suitable partner.

Puja Vidhi (Worship Rituals)

• Devotees rise early, bathe, and dress in clean clothes of the auspicious color—grey.

• The puja altar is cleaned and decorated; the idol or photo of Maa Katyayani is adorned with flowers, especially red roses and lotus, and traditional items like vermillion and honey are offered as prasad.

• Sweets, seasonal fruits, and meetha paan are considered auspicious offerings.

• Recite her mantra: “Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah” and perform aarti and stuti for courage and well-being.

• Reading Durga Saptashati and performing a havan enhances the spiritual merit.

Auspicious Color and Symbolism

The color for Day 6 is grey, symbolizing balance, calmness, and emotional stability. Wearing grey during rituals is believed to ground devotees, fostering strength and composure in daily life.

Day 6 Takeaways

• Goddess: Katyayani (Warrior, destroyer of evil)

• Ritual Color: Grey

• Best Offerings: Honey, red flowers, seasonal fruits, sweets.

• Timings: Shukla Shashthi begins 12:03 PM on September 27; notable muhurats include Brahma (4:36–5:24 AM), Abhijit (11:48 AM–12:36 PM), Vijaya (2:12–3:00 PM), Amrit Kalam (1:26–3:14 PM).

• Power of the Day: Courage, resolution of marriage issues, protection, and spiritual insight.

The sixth day of Navratri embodies the victorious, dynamic aspect of the goddess, motivating devotees to face challenges with grace, remain grounded amid turmoil, and strive for spiritual as well as worldly harmony.