Maa Katyayani Day 6 Navratri: Puja Vidhi, Aarti, Bhog and Colour in One Place

Day 6 of Navratri 2026 falls on Friday, 16 October 2026 (Shashthi). On this auspicious day, Maa Katyayani, the sixth Navadurga, is worshipped as a fierce warrior form of Durga. This blog will explore her story, puja, mantra, bhog, colour and aarti, providing insights into the significance of celebrating this powerful goddess.

Who Is Maa Katyayani? (Katyayani Mata at a Glance)

Maa Katyayani, also referred to as katyayani maa, katyayani mata and katyayani devi is named after the sage Katyayana, who is said to have worshipped her fervently. She is depicted riding a lion, holding a sword and a lotus, commonly shown with four arms. Maa Katyayani is associated with the Ajna (third-eye) chakra and the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati) in popular belief.

Worshipping Maa Katyayani is believed to bring courage and the removal of obstacles. Devotees also find harmony in marriage and relationships, while spiritually focusing on the Ajna chakra. These are devotional beliefs that foster a deeper connection with Maa Katyayani's divine energy.

Katyayani Devi Story: Maa Katyayani Katha

The story of Maa Katyayani is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. The sage Katyayana performed penance, wishing for the Goddess to be born as his daughter. In response, the gods combined their energies to create her, destined to destroy the demon Mahishasura. She is worshipped as Mahishasuramardini, the slayer of Mahishasura. Her mentions can be found in ancient texts like the Taittiriya Aranyaka and the Mahabharata, along with later Puranic literature. As commonly told, her birth was a divine answer to the pleas of those in distress.

Maa Katyayani's story also emphasizes her role in restoring dharma by vanquishing evil. Mahishasura, a powerful demon who could change shapes, terrorised the heavens and earth, defeating the gods in battle. The deities, distressed by his tyranny, prayed to the supreme goddess for help. In response, Maa Katyayani emerged, embodying the collective strength of the gods. She fought valiantly against Mahishasura, ultimately defeating him after a fierce battle that lasted for nine days and nights. This victory represents the triumph of good over evil, making her an emblem of courage and resilience.

Why Maa Katyayani Is Worshipped for Marriage

In the Bhagavata Purana, the gopis of Vrindavan observed a month-long vrata to Katyayani, praying for Krishna as their husband. Due to this tradition, unmarried women worship her for a suitable life partner, linking back to katyayani puja as a vrata tradition.

Katyayani Devi Color on Day 6 (16 October 2026)

The colour associated with Maa Katyayani on Friday, 16 October 2026 is green. Devotees are encouraged to wear green attire and offer green flowers and fruits to the goddess to enhance their spiritual connection. This celebration brings a refreshing vibrancy to the festivities.

Red is also associated with Maa Katyayani for her fierce warrior energy, passion, bravery and strength to destroy the devil. While grey is associated with stability, neutrality and inner resilience.

Maa Katyayani Puja Vidhi (Step by Step)

• Begin with an early bath and wear clean clothes.
• Set up the puja space with an altar for Maa Katyayani.
• Perform Sankalpa (the vow of worship) and invoke the goddess.
• Offerings include flowers, roli, rice and incense.
• Prepare bhog, chant her maa katyayani mantra and perform the aarti.

Maa Katyayani Mantra

Here are the essential mantras for worshipping Maa Katyayani, presented in Devanagari, transliteration, and meaning:

• Stuti: या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्तिता, नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः।
• Meaning "Salutations to the Goddess who resides in all beings in the form of Maa Katyayani."
• Dhyana Shloka: चन्द्रहसोज्ज्वलकार शार्दूलवरवाहना।
• Meaning: "She who shines like the moon, riding a lion, is meditated upon."
• Gopi Mantra: कात्यायिनी महामाये महायोगिन्यधीश्वरी, नंदगोपसुतं देवी पतिं मे कुरु ते नमः।

Meaning: "O Katyayani, great goddess and yogini, please grant me the son of Nandagopa (Krishna) as my husband."

Maa Katyayani Bhog: What to Offer

Honey is the most commonly cited offering on Day 6. However, offerings can vary by tradition and region. For those observing a fast, fasting-friendly offerings can include fruits and milk-based sweets.

Maa Katyayani Aarti

The aarti is sung at the end of the puja, often alongside the Durga aarti. It is a beautiful expression of devotion, performed with a diya (lamp) to invite the goddess's divine presence into the home.

Day 6 Tips for 16 October

• Do: Offer sattvic food and maintain a peaceful environment.
• Don't: Consume tamasic foods or engage in negative thoughts.

Final Thoughts

Maa Katyayani's puja is a powerful reminder of her triumph over evil and the strength she embodies. As devotees gather to honour her on this sacred day, they are encouraged to connect with her blessings. Let this puja inspire individuals to embrace courage and resilience in their lives.