The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, one of the most powerful and fierce forms of Goddess Durga. Known as the warrior goddess, Maa Katyayani is revered for her strength, courage, and the power to vanquish evil. She is the embodiment of divine wrath against unrighteousness and is often worshipped by those seeking justice, marital harmony, and spiritual growth.
Let’s explore the legend, form, symbolism, puja rituals, mantra, and spiritual significance of Navratri Day 6 – the day of Maa Katyayani.
The origin of Maa Katyayani is rooted in the tale of a sage named Rishi Katyayana, a great devotee of Goddess Durga. He performed intense penance to invoke the divine mother and wished for her to be born as his daughter. Pleased with his devotion, the Goddess granted his wish and took birth in his ashram as Katyayani.
According to another popular legend from the Devi Mahatmya, the demon Mahishasura had become invincible due to a boon that no man or god could kill him. Terrified by his tyranny, the gods sought help from the Tridevi—Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Their collective energy created Maa Katyayani, a powerful warrior goddess, who eventually defeated and killed Mahishasura in a fierce battle.
Thus, Maa Katyayani is celebrated as the vanquisher of evil, the one who destroys ego, ignorance, and darkness, restoring dharma and righteousness.
Iconography and Symbolism
Maa Katyayani is often depicted as a four-armed goddess riding a lion, holding a sword and lotus in her two hands, while the other two remain in Abhaya (fear-dispelling) and Varada (blessing) mudras. Her radiant form glows like the rising sun, symbolizing enlightenment, power, and divinity.
The lion represents courage and dharma, while her sword is a symbol of justice and destruction of evil. The lotus in her hand signifies purity and spiritual awakening.
Puja Vidhi (Worship Rituals)
The worship of Maa Katyayani on the sixth day of Navratri is marked with great reverence and devotion. Devotees follow a sattvic routine and maintain mental and physical purity to connect with the goddess’s energy.
Here is the puja vidhi for Maa Katyayani:
- Prepare the Puja Space: Clean the altar, light a ghee lamp (diya), and place the idol or picture of Maa Katyayani.
- Invoke the Goddess: Chant the Dhyana mantra and invite the goddess to accept your prayers.
- Offerings (Bhog): Offer honey, sweets, fruits, red flowers, kumkum, haldi, and chandan. Honey is considered especially dear to Maa Katyayani.
- Clothing and Colors: Devotees traditionally wear red or orange on this day, symbolizing strength and determination.
- Mantra Japa: Recite the Katyayani mantra (given below) 108 times or as per your capacity.
- Aarti and Bhajans: Conclude the puja with aarti, singing devotional songs that glorify the warrior aspect of the goddess.
Some devotees also observe a fast, consuming only fruits, milk, or light sattvic food after the puja.
Mantra for Maa Katyayani
To invoke the divine energy of Maa Katyayani, devotees chant the following mantra:
“ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥”
Another popular mantra, especially for young unmarried girls seeking a suitable life partner, is:
“कात्यायनि महामाये महायोगिन्यधीश्वरि।
नन्दगोपसुतं देवि पतिं मे कुरु ते नमः॥”
This mantra is said to have been chanted by the Gopis of Vrindavan to get Lord Krishna as their husband.
Spiritual Significance of Day 6
Maa Katyayani governs the Ajna Chakra (the third eye), the center of wisdom and intuition. Worshipping her helps awaken inner vision, spiritual insight, and clarity of thought.
She signifies the inner strength to confront and overcome challenges, whether external enemies or inner obstacles like fear, ego, doubt, or negativity. Her fierce form reminds us that divine power is not only gentle and nurturing but also courageous and transformative.
She is also associated with the power of righteous action—urging devotees to stand for truth, justice, and dharma in their own lives.
Auspicious Color for Day 6
The auspicious color for Day 6 is Red—a color that represents passion, courage, and determination. Wearing red clothes during puja enhances the energy of worship and symbolizes your readiness to face challenges with strength and devotion.
Maa Katyayani’s Blessings
Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Katyayani bestows:
- Freedom from obstacles in both personal and professional life.
- Courage to overcome fears, enemies, and self-doubt.
- Success in marriage and family harmony, especially for unmarried girls seeking a compatible life partner.
- Spiritual enlightenment and progress on the path of devotion.
She is often invoked by students, warriors, leaders, and women seeking empowerment, as her blessings lead to resilience, clarity, and purposeful living.
Celebrations Across India
In North India, Maa Katyayani is celebrated with great energy in states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana, especially among unmarried girls who observe the Katyayani Vrat.
In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, she is associated with Lord Murugan’s consort and is celebrated during Navratri through Golu displays, special pujas, and classical dance performances.
In West Bengal, she is part of the wider Durga Puja festivities, where her fierce form is depicted in elaborate idols and processions.
Final Thoughts
Maa Katyayani, the fierce goddess of Day 6, teaches us that strength and compassion are two sides of the same divine coin. Her presence in our lives inspires us to face adversity with determination, stand for righteousness, and remain grounded in truth. She empowers the seeker to transform weakness into strength, ignorance into wisdom, and fear into fearlessness.
As you worship Maa Katyayani this Navratri, may her divine blessings help you break through your inner limitations and walk the path of dharma with courage and conviction