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Maha Navratri, also referred to as Shardiya Navratri, is a vibrant Hindu festival that spans nine nights and ten days. This year, this auspicious occasion will be joyously celebrated throughout India from October 3 to October 12. During this period, devotees in India and around the world worship the nine manifestations of Maa Durga, collectively known as Navdurga, which includes Maa Siddhidatri, Maa Mahagauri, Maa Brahmcharini, Maa Shailputri, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, and Maa Chandraghanta. The festival is characterized by decorations, traditional dances, devotional music, and fasting.ย
The sixth day of Shardiya Navratri falls on Wednesday, October 9, and it is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Katyayani. If you and your family are observing this festival, it’s important to familiarise yourself with Maa Katyayani. Here’s a guide to the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri, covering its significance, puja vidhi, schedule, and required offerings.
Who Is Maa Katyayani?
Maa Katyayani, one of the fiercest forms of Goddess Durga, earned the name “Mahishasurmardini” for her triumph over the demon king Mahishasura. She is often depicted riding a lion, wielding a sword and a lotus in her left hand, and showing Abhaya and Varada mudras with her right hand. Katyayani is revered as the vanquisher of evil.ย
According to the Vamana Purana, the deities, incensed by Mahishasura’s wicked deeds, collectively harnessed their energy to manifest Maa Katyayani, whose form took shape in Katyayana Rishi’s hermitage. Thus, this incarnation of Maa Durga is also known as Katyayani or the daughter of Katyayana.
Brihaspati is ruled by Maa Katyayani and she represents wisdom and harmony. The blessings of Goddess Katyayani are said to purify the sins of the devotees, drive out evil spirits and remove obstacles. Further, unmarried girls fast to find a husband of their choice on the day Maa Katyayani is worshipped during Navratri.
Wear Royal Blue color on Wednesday and participate in Navratri celebrations with unmatched panache and elegance. Royal Blue is a vivid shade of color Blue and represents richness and tranquillity.
According to Drik Panchang, the Brahma Muhurta on this day begins at 04:40 am and ends at 05:29 am. Vijaya Muhurta will last from 02:05 pm and end at 02:51 pm.ย
Devotees are advised to get up early on the sixth day of Navratri, take a bath and put on new clothes. Clean the puja area and offer fresh flowers to the idol of Maa Katyayani. In addition, while chanting mantras and praying, devotees should hold lotus flowers in their palms and offer honey to the goddess as prasad and bhog to seek her blessings.
1. Om Devi Katyayanyai Namahเฅฅ
2. Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahanaเฅค
3. Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatiniเฅฅ
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthitaเฅค
4. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namahเฅฅ
Katyayanaumukha Patu Kam Swahaswarupiniเฅค
Lalate Vijaya Patu Malini Nitya Sundariเฅฅ
Kalyani Hridayam Patu Jaya Bhagamaliniเฅฅ
