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Navratri is a nine-day celebration that holds deep spiritual significance for Hindus, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navdurga. Each day of this sacred festival is devoted to a different form of the goddess, and the sixth day, also called Shashthi, is set aside for the worship of Maa Katyayani. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of Day 6 of Navratri 2024, focusing on Maa Katyayani’s significance, the rituals (puja vidhi), auspicious timings, and the day’s symbolic colour.
Who is Maa Katyayani?
Maa Katyayani, the fierce and courageous form of Goddess Parvati, is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. According to Hindu mythology, Maa Katyayani was born in the house of the sage Katya, which is why she is named Katyayani. She is often depicted riding a lion, holding divine weapons in her hands, and offering protection and blessings through her raised right hand in the Abhaya Mudra.
Maa Katyayani is revered as a warrior goddess and is best known for her role in defeating the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. She embodies power, courage, and righteous action, making her worship on the sixth day particularly important for those seeking to overcome obstacles and evil influences in their lives.
The Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Maa Katyayani
Worshipping Maa Katyayani is said to purify the devotee’s soul, remove negativity, and grant strength to face challenges. She is also associated with the planet Brihaspati (Jupiter), representing wisdom and harmony. Devotees believe that by praying to Maa Katyayani, they can invoke her divine blessings to cleanse their sins, attract peace, and gain protection from evil spirits.
One unique aspect of this day is its significance for unmarried girls, who often fast and pray to Maa Katyayani to help them find a life partner of their choice. This form of devotion reflects the goddess’s role in guiding young women towards their destined paths in life.
How to Perform Puja for Maa Katyayani: Step-by-Step Guide
The puja rituals for Maa Katyayani on Day 6 of Navratri are straightforward yet filled with spiritual meaning. Here’s a simple guide to help you perform the puja at home:
- Prepare the Space: Begin by cleaning the puja area. Place an idol or picture of Maa Katyayani at the center, and decorate it with fresh flowers.
- Offerings (Samagri): Devotees offer fresh flowers, fruits, honey, and bhog (food offering) to Maa Katyayani. Lotus flowers are particularly auspicious and should be held in both hands while chanting prayers.
- Chant Mantras and Prayers: Chanting mantras dedicated to Maa Katyayani helps create a peaceful, divine atmosphere. The mantra “Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah” is commonly recited during the puja.
- Red Attire and Chunri: Red is the colour of the day, symbolizing passion and power. It is recommended to wear red clothes and offer a red chunri (scarf) to the goddess during the puja.
- Prasad Distribution: After completing the puja, distribute prasad, especially honey, which is considered sacred and is believed to invite sweetness and prosperity into your life.
Shubh Muhurat for Navratri 2024 Day 6
Selecting the right muhurat (auspicious time) to perform the puja ensures that devotees receive the maximum blessings from Maa Katyayani. The shubh muhurat timings for Day 6 of Navratri 2024 are as follows:
- Brahma Muhurat: 4:44 AM – 5:34 AM. This early morning time is considered the most spiritually potent for prayer and meditation.
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:43 AM – 12:28 PM. This midday period is also highly auspicious for performing religious rituals.
- Vijaya Muhurat: 1:59 PM – 2:45 PM. Known as the time of victory, this muhurat is ideal for concluding your puja with a final prayer for success and triumph over difficulties.
Auspicious Colour for Navratri 2024 Day 6: Red
Red is the colour dedicated to Maa Katyayani on the sixth day of Navratri. This vibrant colour symbolizes energy, passion, and love, which resonate with the qualities of the goddess. Wearing red clothes and offering red flowers or a red chunri during the puja invokes her fierce, protective energy, filling devotees with vitality and confidence.
Stuti, Mantra, Prathana, and Kavacha for Day 6
Reciting specific stutis (hymns), mantras, and prayers during the puja enhances spiritual connection and helps devotees receive the blessings of Maa Katyayani. Here are a few key recitations:
- Stuti:
“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah” - Mantra:
“Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah” - Prathana:
“Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana
Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini” - Kavacha:
“Katyayanaumukha Patu Kam Swahaswarupini
Lalate Vijaya Patu Malini Nitya Sundari
Kalyani Hridayam Patu Jaya Bhagamalini”
Chanting these powerful verses during the puja helps devotees experience a deeper connection with the goddess and strengthens their spiritual focus.
Conclusion
Navratri Day 6, dedicated to Maa Katyayani, is an essential day for seeking protection, wisdom, and success. The goddess’s powerful, warrior-like form inspires devotees to overcome the darkness in their lives and stand strong in the face of adversity. Whether you’re fasting, performing puja, or simply offering prayers, the blessings of Maa Katyayani can bring courage, clarity, and prosperity into your life.
