Maa Katyayani: Navratri Sixth Day Goddess
Maa Katyayani is a fierce manifestation of Devi Shakti and is worshipped on the 6th day of Navratri. To vanquish the demon Mahishasura, Goddess Parvati assumed the fierce form of Katyayani, also known as the Warrior Goddess. She is the most violent form of Maa Durga.
Katyayani Maa Navratra Puja Tithi 2023: Shardiya Navratri – 20th October 2023, Friday
NOTE: Talk to a professional pandit or a local pandit for exact Puja timing in your location.
Beej Mantra – “ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं कात्यायन्यै नमः”
Story Behind Katyayani Devi
Years ago, there lived a sage named ‘Kat,’ and his descendants were named ‘Katya.’ Sage Katya’s lineage led to Sage Katyayan, who, despite his prayers and penance, had no children. During this time, the demon Mahishasura was causing immense trouble for the gods. In response, the Trinity of gods—Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma—sent forth flames that took the form of Goddess Katyayani. She was born to Sage Katyayan and had three eyes, eighteen hands, and a radiant appearance. Gifted with various weapons by the gods, she mounted a lion and set out to defeat the demon Mahishasura who resided in the Vindhya Mountains.
A fierce battle took place between Goddess Katyayani and Mahishasura, during which she defeated and beheaded him with a sword. This significant event is celebrated as Durga Puja in various parts of India. She is also known as Mahishasuramardini, which means the one who slayed Mahishasura.
Maa Katyayani Poojan Vidhi
- To perform the Katyayani Devi puja, begin by cleaning the designated space and placing a red cloth on the table or platform where you’ll set up the idol or photograph of Katyayani Mata.
- Purify yourself through Aatma Pujan, apply a tilak on your forehead, and drink holy water while chanting specific mantras.
- Make a wish during the Sankalp ceremony, inviting Katyayani Maa to join the puja.
- Offer fresh flowers and water at the deity’s feet, followed by sandalwood powder, flowers, and Akshat mixed with water.
- Give a holy bath with milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, and Panchamrita, followed by sandalwood and Agaru water, and finish with a bath of holy water.
- Dress the idol with ornaments, adorn it with a flower garland, light a ghee lamp and incense, and place a Naivedya platter in front of Katyayani Mata.
- Sing the Aarti, offer flowers, and conclude with Namaskara vidhi, asking for forgiveness.
Bhog for Maa Katyayani
On the sixfth day of the Navratra Puja, devotees offer honey bhog and guava fruits to Maa Katyayani as these are her favourites.
Mantra
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Prarthana
चन्द्रहासोज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना। कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥
Gāyātrī mantra in the Taittirīya Āranyaka
कात्यायनाय विद्महे कन्याकुमारी धीमहि |
तन्नो दुर्गिः प्रकोदयात् | 10.1.6
For a detailed information related to Puja Vidhi, you can speak to our expert pundits and astrologers at NamoAstro any time.
Significance of Worshipping Maa Katyayani
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Goddess Katyayani grants unmarried girls the blessing of finding their desired groom.
- Unmarried women can fulfil their wish of getting married by offering prayers to her and chanting the Katyayani Mantra for Marriage, especially the “Om Katyayani Mahamaye” Mantra 108 times.
- They can also be chanted by married couples facing issues in their marriage to restore peace and love in their married life.
- Worshipping her also removes all the obstacles in a person’s life. Students get good marks by her grace.
- Planet Brihaspati is governed by her. So, by worshipping her, one can strengthen the position of Brihaspati in his/her kundali.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can both married and unmarried individuals worship Katyayani Mata?
A: Yes, both married and unmarried individuals can worship Katyayani Mata. Unmarried individuals seek her blessings for a compatible life partner, while married couples may worship her for marital harmony.
