Shardiya Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival, pays homage to the divine feminine through the worship of Goddess Durga’s nine distinct forms. The sixth day of Navratri holds a special place as it is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, the valiant warrior goddess renowned as the slayer of the demon Mahishasura.
Auspicious Timings for Maa Katyayani Puja
To engage in the reverent worship of Maa Katyayani on the sixth day of Navratri, observe the following auspicious timings:
- Brahma Muhurta: 04:44 AM to 05:34 AM
- Abhijit Muhurta: 11:43 AM to 12:28 PM
- Vijaya Muhurta: 01:59 PM to 02:45 PM
Worship Method of Maa Katyayani
To perform the worship of Maa Katyayani, prepare the following items:
- An idol or image of Maa Katyayani
- A clean piece of cloth
- Fresh flowers
- Fruits
- Sweets
- Incense sticks
- A lit diya
- Cotton wool
- Ghee
Worship Steps:
- Begin by cleansing the area where you intend to perform the puja.
- Place the idol or image of Maa Katyayani on the clean cloth.
- Present fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets as offerings to Maa Katyayani.
- Light the incense sticks and the diya to fill the atmosphere with a divine aura.
- Chant the sacred mantra: Om Katyayanaye Namah
- Meditate upon Maa Katyayani, contemplating her divine presence for a few moments.
- Humbly beseech Maa Katyayani to bestow you with strength, courage, and wisdom to overcome life’s challenges.
- Optionally, perform the aarti to further honor the goddess.
Bhog for Maa Katyayani
Among the delectable offerings to Maa Katyayani, the following items can be presented as bhog:
- Kheer
- Halwa
- Ladoo
- Puri sabji
- Fresh fruits
- Honey
Significance of Worshipping Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani embodies the essence of strength, courage, and wisdom. She stands as a protector of the innocent and a vanquisher of malevolence. The worship of Maa Katyayani on the sixth day of Navratri is a means to seek the nurturing of these virtues and to confront and overcome the trials that one may face in life.
Worship Tips for Maa Katyayani
To enhance your devotion and connection during the worship of Maa Katyayani, here are some valuable tips:
- Begin the day with a purifying bath.
- Don clean and fresh attire.
- Offer vibrant, fragrant flowers and the finest fruits to the goddess.
- Recite the mantra with unwavering devotion.
- Meditate upon Maa Katyayani, immersing yourself in her divine presence.
- Humbly pray for the blessings of strength, courage, and wisdom.
May the blessings of Maa Katyayani envelop you and your loved ones, nurturing your inner strength and guiding you through life’s challenges.