Maa Katyayani: Navratri Day 6 Puja Vidhi, Story &…
Maa Katyayani: The Warrior Goddess (Navratri Day 6)
On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees worship the fierce warrior form of Goddess Durga, known as Maa Katyayani. She is the sixth manifestation of the Navadurga (Nine Forms of Durga).
Born to destroy the demon Mahishasura, she represents divine wrath against evil. However, she is also the Goddess of love and harmony. In the Vraj region, the Gopis worshipped her to attain Lord Krishna as a husband, making her highly significant for those seeking a happy marriage.
📅 When to Worship Maa Katyayani in 2026?
Plan your festivals with our complete Hindu Festival Calendar 2026.
Date: March 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
Date: October 16, 2026 (Friday)
The Legend of Mahishasura Mardini
There was once a great sage named Katyayana who performed severe penance to have the Goddess born as his daughter. Pleased with his devotion, the Goddess granted his wish.
When the tyranny of the demon Mahishasura crossed all limits, the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) combined their energies to create a Goddess. Since she was first worshipped by Sage Katyayana, she was named Katyayani. She rode into battle on a lion and slew Mahishasura, earning the title Mahishasura Mardini. She represents the victory of good over evil.
- Mount: She rides a magnificent Lion, symbolizing fearlessness.
- Arms: She has four hands. The left hands hold a Lotus and a Sword. The right hands are in Abhaya Mudra (protection) and Varada Mudra (blessing).
- Attire: She is adorned in Red, the color of passion and action.
Navratri Day 6 Puja Vidhi
Worshipping Maa Katyayani governs the Ajna Chakra (Third Eye). She is especially worshipped for removing obstacles in marriage.
Cleanse the altar with Gangajal. Invoke Ganesh Ji and then Maa Katyayani with red flowers.
She loves Honey. Offering honey to the Goddess is believed to add sweetness to one’s life and relationships.
Offer Red Roses or Red Hibiscus flowers, as red is her favorite color.
Unmarried girls often fast on this day to pray for a good husband, following the tradition of the Gopis.
🕉️ Maa Katyayani Mantra
Chandra Hasojjala Kara Shardulavaravahana,
Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini.
“May Goddess Katyayani, who holds a shining sword and rides a lion, and who is the destroyer of demons, bestow auspiciousness upon me.”
🎨 Auspicious Color for Day 6: Red
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Conclusion
Maa Katyayani is the embodiment of Shakti. She inspires us to be fearless in the face of evil while maintaining a loving heart. Whether you seek victory in life or harmony in marriage, her worship brings immense blessings. Trust SmartPuja to assist you with authentic rituals.
