Shardiya Navratri 2023 Day 6: Discover Maa Katyayani’s Significance, Puja Vidhi, Colors, Samagri, Timings, Mantras, and More

On the 6th day of Shardiya Navratri, which falls on October 20, devotees pay homage to Maa Katyayani. To fully understand this special day during the festival and perform the rituals with precision, here is a comprehensive guide covering the significance, puja procedure, timings, and necessary offerings.

Shardiya Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri, is a vibrant Hindu celebration spanning nine nights and ten days. In 2023, this auspicious event is celebrated across India with enthusiasm from October 15 to October 24. During this time, devotees worship the nine manifestations of Maa Durga collectively referred to as Navdurga, including Maa Siddhidatri, Maa Mahagauri, Maa Brahmcharini, Maa Shailputri, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, and Maa Chandraghanta. The festival is marked by elaborate decorations, traditional dances, devotional music, fasting, and creates an environment of devotion, reflection, and joy.

Maa Katyayani, the deity revered on the 6th day of Shardiya Navratri, is one of the fiercest incarnations of Goddess Durga. She is known as Mahishasurmardini, signifying her role in slaying the demon king Mahishasura. Depicted riding a lion, she carries a sword and lotus in her left hand and exhibits the Abhaya and Varada mudras with her right hand. Maa Katyayani is believed to be the vanquisher of evil. According to the Vamana Purana, the gods, infuriated by Mahishasura’s malevolence, united their energies to manifest Maa Katyayani, who later acquired her definitive form thanks to Katyayana Rishi. Therefore, she is also known as Katyayani, or the daughter of Katyayana.

Significance of Navratri Day 6: Maa Katyayani is associated with Brihaspati and symbolizes wisdom and harmony. Her blessings are thought to cleanse devotees of their sins, ward off malevolent spirits, and eliminate obstacles. Unmarried girls observe fasts on this day, seeking a husband of their choice during Navratri.

Color of Navratri Day 6: The color for the 6th day of Navratri is green, representing harmony, growth, nature, fertility, and peace. Wearing green symbolizes the protective, courageous, and well-being attributes of Katyayani.

Puja Timings for Navratri Day 6: On October 20, the 6th day of Navratri, the Brahma Muhurta begins at 04:44 AM and ends at 05:34 AM, as per Drik Panchang. The Abhijit Muhurat will occur from 11:43 AM to 12:28 PM, while the Vijaya Muhurta spans from 01:59 PM to 02:45 PM. The Ravi Yoga is observed from 06:25 AM to 08:41 PM.

Puja Procedure and Offerings for Navratri Day 6: Devotees are advised to rise early on the 6th day, bathe, and don new attire. Cleanse the puja area and adorn the Maa Katyayani idol with fresh flowers. While chanting mantras and offering prayers, hold lotus flowers and present honey as prasad and bhog to seek the goddess’s blessings.

Navratri 2023 Day 6 Mantra, Prathana, Stuti, and Kavacha:

1. Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥
2. Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana।
3. Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthita।

4. Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

Katyayanaumukha Patu Kam Swahaswarupini।

Lalate Vijaya Patu Malini Nitya Sundari॥

Kalyani Hridayam Patu Jaya Bhagamalini॥