Navratri Day 6 - Shashthi Tithi - Devi Katyayini

The 6th day of the Navaratri festival is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, the 6th form of Goddess Durga. Once there was a great sage named Katya and it was his wish that Maa Durga be born as his daughter. He practiced austere penance for several years to please the Gods. Meanwhile, the trinity of Gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – got enraged by atrocities committed by Mahishasura (Buffalo Demon) who had a boon that he could not be slayed by any man/male, and he was confident that his strength could never be surpassed by a female.
The Holy Trinity accumulated all their energies and created this form of Goddess Durga, who had the collective powers of the Trinity to slay Mahishasura. Since she was born to Katya, she was called Katyayani.
Maa Katyayani has 3 eyes and 4 hands. She holds a sword in one of Her left hands and a lotus in the other. The other 2 hands respectively show protecting and allowing actions. Women pray to Maa Katyayani to remove obstacles that could be causing delays in their marriage.

By worshipping Maa Katyayani, you develop strength to fight diseases, sorrows, and fears. To destroy the sins accumulated over your several lives, you should religiously worship Maa Katyayani. Maa bestows health and wealth on her devotees.
Maa Katyayani is ascribed to the sixth Agnya chakra or the ‘Third Eye Chakra.’

Planetary Deity: Jupiter (Brihaspati)
Attributes: Knowledge, wisdom, and spirituality.
Worship: Embrace the wisdom and spirituality of Jupiter.

Bhog: Honey is offered to Maa Katyayini to learn how to direct anger in a positive direction and productively harness ferocity.

Color for the day: Orange

Shri Durga Saptashati Patha to be recited: Adhyay 11

Chant this mantra to worship Goddess Katyayani…
कात्यायनि महामाये महायोगिन्यधीश्वरि ।
नन्द गोपसुतं देविपतिं मे कुरु ते नमः ॥
Kātyāyani mahāmāyē mahāyōgin’yadhīśvari |
Nanda gōpasutaṁ dēvipatiṁ mē kuru tē namaḥ ||