Maa Katyayani is a powerful incarnation of Goddess Durga, revered for her strength and bravery. She is often depicted riding a lion and wielding a sword and a lotus in her left hand, while making the Abhaya and Varada mudras with her right hand. Her origin story is found in the Vamana Purana, where she was created by the divine beings to defeat the demon king Mahishasura.
2. What Is the Significance of Worshipping Maa Katyayani?
Worshipping Maa Katyayani on the sixth day of Navratri holds immense spiritual significance. Her divine blessings are believed to purify past sins, drive away evil spirits, remove obstacles, and bring wisdom and harmony to one's life. Unmarried women can fast on this day to find a suitable spouse.
3. What Are the Auspicious Timings for Puja?
The auspicious timings for puja on the sixth day of Navratri include Brahma Muhurat (4:39 AM - 5:29 AM), Abhijit Muhurat (11:45 AM - 12:32 PM), Pratah Sandhya (5:04 AM - 6:18 AM), Amrit Kalam (6:42 PM - 8:25 PM), and Vijaya Muhurta (2:05 PM - 2:52 PM).
4. What Colour Should You Wear on This Day?
On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees are encouraged to wear red, a colour symbolizing passion and love. Red is also the most popular colour of the Chunri (a traditional scarf or shawl) that devotees offer to Maa Katyayani.
5. What Are the Mantras to Be Recited?
Some of the mantras to be recited while worshipping Maa Katyayani include: Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah , Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana , and Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini . These mantras are believed to invoke the goddess's blessings and protection.
6. What Should You Offer as Bhog?
For good fortune and financial success, it is believed that devotees should offer honey to Maa Katyayani. Honey is thought to bring protection from obstacles and promote sweetness and harmony in life.
7. How Should You Perform the Puja?
To perform the puja, devotees should wake up early, take a bath, and dress in new clothes. They should thoroughly clean the puja area and decorate the idol of Maa Katyayani with fresh flowers. While chanting mantras and offering prayers, devotees are advised to hold lotus flowers in their hands and present honey as prasad and bhog to the goddess.
