Why Is Maa Katyayani Worshipped On Navratri Day 6? Know Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Bhog And Significance

On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Katyayani, the sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga. Revered as the warrior-form goddess who slayed the demon Mahishasura, she represents strength, divine courage, and protection against negativity.

In Vedic astrology, she governs the planet Jupiter and is widely invoked to remove obstacles in marriage and relationships.

Maa Katyayani is named after Sage Katyayana, who performed intense penance to receive the Goddess as his blessed daughter.

Let's understand why Maa Katyayani is worshipped, the auspicious timing, and puja vidhi.

Navratri Day 6: Date And Shubh Muhurat Timings

Day 6 of Sharad Navratri is on October 16, 2026, which corresponds to Shasthi. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings for the puja rituals are:

Chaturthi Tithi begins: October 16, 2026, at 3:26 AM
Chaturthi Tithi ends: October 17, 2026, up to 05:54 AM
Brahma Muhurta: October 16, 2026,04:42 AM to 05:32 AM
Rahu Kalam (Inauspicious Time): October 16, 2026, 10:40 AM to 12:06 PM
Abhijit Muhurat: October 16, 2026, 11:43 AM to 12:29 PM

Why Is Maa Katyayani Worshipped?

According to Hindu scriptures, Sage Katyayan performed intense penance to have the divine Mother born as his daughter. Pleased by his devotion, Goddess Durga incarnated in his ashram as Katyayani.

Born from the combined energy of the trinity Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, she holds a shining sword and a sacred lotus in her two left hands, while displaying the Abhaya and Varada mudras with her right hands.

She sits on a majestic lion and has defeated Mahishasura, restoring cosmic balance.

Devotees worship her to seek protection, courage and strength to overcome life's challenges. It is also believed that she blesses unmarried women to find a suitable partner.

In fact, the Bhagavata Purana describes the gopis of Braj worshipping Goddess Katyayani to seek Lord Krishna as their husband.

Devotees worship her to seek protection, courage and strength to overcome life's challenges (Image: Instagram: spiritsouls)

Maa Katyayani Mantras

1. The Primary Mantra

ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥

2. The Stuti

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Katyayani Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

3. The Katyayani Marriage Mantra

Chanted traditionally to clear delays in marriage and attract a righteous partner.

कात्यायनि महामाये महायोगिन्यधीश्वरि ।
नन्दगोपसुतं देवि पतिं मे कुरु ते नमः ॥

Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadheeshwari
Nandagopasutam Devi Patim Me Kuru Te Namah॥

Which Colour To Wear On Navratri Day 6?

For Sharadiya Navratri 2026, the auspicious colour for Day 6 is Green. This colour is commonly associated with nature, renewal, growth and harmony.

Devotees should wear Green or incorporate the colour into their festive Puja arrangements to align their energies with the Goddess.

ALSO READ: Who Is Lord Dhanvantari? The Story, Significance, And Mantras Of The Hindu God Of Medicine

Maa Katyayani Bhog: What To Offer on Navratri Day 6?

Traditionally, offering honey to the Goddess is considered auspicious. Honey is believed to bring harmony, sweetness and love in relationships. In addition, you can offer fresh fruits, sweets, and other vegetarian items as bhog.

Traditionally, offering honey to the Goddess is considered auspicious (Image: Pexels)

Step-By-Step Maa Katyayani Puja Vidhi

1. Purification And Sankalp: Devotees should wake up early during Brahma Muhurat. Then clean the puja altar with gangajal, light an oil or ghee diya, and take a sankalp before observing the fast.

2. Kalash And Deity Invocation: Offer fresh vermilion, akshat, and red flowers, especially red hibiscus, lotus or jasmine, to Maa Katyayani’s idol or image.

3. The Bhog Offering: Then offer pure honey in a silver or clay bowl to the Goddess.

4. Mantra Japa: Chant Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah mantra facing north or east at least 108 times using a Rudraksha or Kamal Gatta mala.

5. Aarti And Kshamaprarthana: Conclude your worship with the Durga Aarti, wave camphor, and seek forgiveness for any accidental mistakes committed during the puja.

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Worshipping Maa Katyayani on Day 6 of Navratri offers an opportunity to reflect on determination, self-respect and the responsible use of strength. 

FAQs

1. Why is Maa Katyayani worshipped for marriage?

According to the Bhagavata Purana, the Gopis of Braj worshipped Maa Katyayani to have Lord Krishna as their husband. Chanting her dedicated mantra is considered potent for removing hurdles, astrological afflictions and delays in marriage.

2. Which chakra is associated with Navratri Day 6?

Day 6 is associated with Ajna Chakra. Devotees focus their meditative awareness between the eyebrows to invoke higher wisdom and intuitive clarity.