Chaitra Navratri: Sixth Goddess – Mata Katyayani

Chaitra Navratri

Sixth Goddess – Mata Katyayani

Shloka

चंद्रहासोज्जवलकरा शार्दूलवर वाहना।

कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद्

देवी दानवघातिनि।|

On the sixth day of Navratri, the sixth power of Goddess Durga, Maa Katyayani, is worshipped.

Why this form is called Katyayani

According to the legend, the Goddess was born at the house of Sage Katyayan on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin. She accepted the worship of the sage for three days—Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami of the Shukla Paksha—and on Dashami, she slew the demon Mahishasura. This form of Maa Durga is considered highly divine.

Form of the Goddess

The complexion of the Goddess shines like gold. She has four arms. In her upper left hand she holds a sword, and in her lower left hand, a lotus flower. Her upper right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection), while her lower right hand is in the Varada Mudra (gesture of granting boons).

Legend

According to tradition, the Gopis of Braj worshipped Maa Katyayani on the banks of the Yamuna with the desire to have Lord Shri Krishna as their husband. Therefore, the Goddess is also revered as the presiding deity of Braj Mandal. In addition, her worship keeps the devotee fearless and free from health-related troubles.

Her devotion also brings favorable marital relationships. She is regarded as the presiding deity of the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati). Thus, by worshipping Maa Katyayani with proper rituals today, one can be freed from sufferings and afflictions related to Guru (Jupiter).

Worship Method

On this day, honey holds special significance in the worship of the Goddess. Honey should be offered as prasad, which is believed to bestow beauty and charm. First, place the picture of Maa Katyayani on a wooden platform draped with a red cloth. Then perform the worship in the same manner as the previous days. Afterward, take red flowers in your hands and meditate upon the Goddess with this mantra:

Shloka

चंद्रहासोज्जवलकरा शार्दूलवर वाहना।

कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनि।|

Mantra

ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चै ।

(Number of recitations: 108 – one mala)

On this day, the devotee’s mind resides in the Ajna Chakra. In Yoga, the Ajna Chakra holds great importance. The devotee offers complete surrender to Maa Katyayani by concentrating his mind in this chakra.

Shubham Bhavatu