Navratri 2024 Day 6: Significance, Maa Katyayani Puja Vidhi, and Auspicious Colour

Navratri, the nine-day festival dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine divine forms, is a time of immense devotion and celebration. In 2024, Sharad Navratri began on October 3rd and will conclude on October 11th. On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Katyayani, one of the fiercest forms of Maa Durga.

Who is Maa Katyayani?

Maa Katyayani is revered as a warrior goddess and is believed to be the destroyer of evil. According to mythology, she was born as the daughter of Sage Katya to defeat the demon Mahishasura. Mounted on a lion, Maa Katyayani is often depicted holding a sword and a lotus, with her right hand in the Abhaya (protection) and Varada (blessing) mudras. Worshiping her brings wisdom, courage, and protection against evil forces.

Significance of Worshipping Maa Katyayani

Maa Katyayani symbolizes strength, fearlessness, and the destruction of evil. She is worshipped by those seeking to overcome obstacles and cleanse their lives of negativity. In Hindu tradition, unmarried women often pray to Maa Katyayani to find a suitable life partner. Devotees believe that praying to her helps in removing obstacles, achieving success, and attaining spiritual growth.

Maa Katyayani Puja Vidhi

On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees follow a specific Puja Vidhi to honor Maa Katyayani:

1. Morning Ritual: Devotees wake up early, bathe, and wear fresh clothes—preferably red or orange, the auspicious colors of the day.
2. Puja Preparation: Clean the puja space and adorn the idol of Maa Katyayani with fresh flowers, especially lotus flowers. Offer honey as prasad, which symbolizes sweetness and devotion.
3. Mantras and Prayers: Chant the following mantra while holding lotus flowers in your hand:
   • Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah
4. Offerings (Bhog): Present honey, fruits, and sweets as bhog to the goddess to seek her blessings for prosperity, health, and peace.
5. Meditation and Reflection: End the puja with prayers for personal growth, protection, and the elimination of obstacles.

Shubh Muhurat for Day 6 Puja

Performing the puja at an auspicious time is essential for gaining maximum benefits. On October 8th, 2024, the following timings are considered ideal for performing the puja:

• Brahma Muhurat: 4:44 AM to 5:34 AM
• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:43 AM to 12:28 PM
• Vijaya Muhurat: 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM

Auspicious Colour of the Day: Red

The color red is associated with passion, love, and energy. It is also a symbol of vitality and is often worn during rituals dedicated to Maa Katyayani. Offering a red chunri to the goddess is considered highly auspicious, and devotees believe it invokes the blessings of energy and protection.

Stuti, Mantra, and Kavacha for Day 6

• Stuti: Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthita
  Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

• Mantra: Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah

• Kavacha: Katyayanaumukha Patu Kam Swahaswarupini
  Lalate Vijaya Patu Malini Nitya Sundari
  Kalyani Hridayam Patu Jaya Bhagamalini

Conclusion

Maa Katyayani, the fierce and protective form of Maa Durga, represents the strength needed to overcome life’s challenges. By offering devotion, performing the puja with sincerity, and wearing the auspicious red color, devotees can connect with her powerful energy. May Maa Katyayani bless all with courage, prosperity, and the strength to eliminate negativity from their lives.