Navratri Day 6 in 2026: Maa Katyayani Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Story and Auspicious Colour
Date: October 16, 2026 (Friday)
The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Goddess Durga. Maa Katyayani is worshipped as the Goddess of strength, courage, and victory. According to Hindu mythology, she fought and defeated the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of righteousness.
Maa Katyayani is depicted as a powerful and radiant Goddess who inspires devotees to face life's challenges with confidence and determination. Worshipping her during Navratri is traditionally associated with seeking courage, positive energy, prosperity, peace, and success. On this auspicious day, devotees offer prayers to Maa Katyayani and seek her blessings for happiness, protection, and strength in difficult circumstances.
Who Is Maa Katyayani? Date, Mantra and Auspicious Colour
Maa Katyayani is the sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga among the nine forms worshipped during Navratri. According to Hindu tradition, Sage Katyayana performed intense penance to please the Goddess. Pleased with his devotion, the Goddess was born as his daughter, and she came to be known as Katyayani.
Maa Katyayani is generally depicted with four arms. She holds a sword and a lotus flower in two of her hands, while the other two are shown in Abhaya Mudra, representing fearlessness, and Varada Mudra, representing blessings. Her vehicle is a lion, symbolising courage, strength, and power.
Important details about Maa Katyayani Puja:
Navratri Day: Sixth day
Date: October 16, 2026, Friday
Auspicious Colour: Red
Flowers: Red flowers are commonly offered
Qualities Associated with the Goddess: Courage, strength, victory, and confidence
Maa Katyayani Mantra
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah.
Devotees chant this mantra with faith and devotion to seek Maa Katyayani's blessings for strength, confidence, and positive progress in life.
Maa Katyayani Dhyana Mantra
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥
This traditional meditation verse invokes the divine form of Maa Katyayani and expresses a prayer for auspiciousness, well-being, and the strength to overcome challenges.
Maa Katyayani Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Worship Ritual
Maa Katyayani is worshipped with devotion and purity on the sixth day of Navratri. Devotees may follow their family traditions and regional customs while performing the puja.
Follow these simple steps for Maa Katyayani Puja:
Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
Clean the puja area and place an image or idol of Maa Katyayani.
Light a diya and incense sticks.
Offer roli, kumkum, rice grains (akshat), and red or yellow flowers to the Goddess.
Offer fresh fruits, sweets, and sattvic food as bhog.
Chant the Maa Katyayani mantra with devotion.
Read or listen to the story of Maa Katyayani.
Perform the aarti and pray for peace, strength, and well-being.
Distribute prasad among family members.
While performing the puja, maintain a peaceful mind and focus on your prayers. Rituals and offerings may differ according to family traditions and regional practices.
The Mythological Story of Maa Katyayani
The story of Maa Katyayani is closely associated with the demon Mahishasura.
According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura acquired great powers through intense penance and began troubling the gods and human beings. His growing oppression created distress among the celestial beings, who prayed to the Divine Mother for protection.
In response to their prayers, the Goddess manifested in a powerful form associated with Maa Katyayani and engaged Mahishasura in battle. After a fierce struggle, she defeated the demon and brought an end to his tyranny.
For this reason, the Goddess is also associated with the name Mahishasuramardini, meaning the slayer of Mahishasura.
The story of Maa Katyayani conveys an enduring spiritual message: righteousness, courage, and determination can help overcome injustice and adversity. Her divine form reminds devotees to face difficulties with confidence, uphold their values, and remain committed to the path of truth.
Why Is Maa Katyayani Worshipped on the Sixth Day of Navratri?
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different manifestation of Goddess Durga. The sixth day is devoted to Maa Katyayani, who represents courage, strength, and victory over negative forces.
Her worship is traditionally associated with overcoming obstacles, developing self-confidence, and seeking divine blessings for success and well-being. Devotees pray to her for peace in the family, prosperity, clarity of thought, and the strength to navigate difficult situations.
Maa Katyayani's story also encourages people to remain steadfast in their values and face challenges with patience and determination.
For many devotees, the sixth day of Navratri is an opportunity to deepen their spiritual connection and reflect on the importance of courage, discipline, and positive action.
Maa Katyayani and the Ajna Chakra
In yogic and spiritual traditions, the Ajna Chakra, commonly known as the Third Eye Chakra, is associated with intuition, awareness, concentration, and inner clarity.
Some spiritual traditions connect the worship of Maa Katyayani with meditation on the Ajna Chakra. Devotees may practise mantra chanting and meditation as a way to cultivate focus, calmness, and greater awareness of their thoughts and actions.
From a spiritual perspective, this association highlights the importance of developing inner strength, clarity, and discernment.
These connections belong to religious and spiritual traditions and should not be interpreted as scientifically established outcomes.
Maa Katyayani Puja for Marriage and Relationship Wishes
Maa Katyayani is also worshipped by devotees seeking blessings for marriage and a harmonious married life.
According to a well-known Hindu tradition associated with the Bhagavata Purana, the unmarried Gopis of Vrindavan worshipped Goddess Katyayani with the desire to attain Lord Krishna as their husband. This tradition has contributed to the association between Maa Katyayani's worship and prayers for marriage.
Even today, many devotees worship the Goddess during Navratri while praying for a suitable life partner, a happy marriage, and harmony in their relationships. In some religious traditions, her worship is also associated with prayers for overcoming marriage-related obstacles.
For devotees, this practice is an expression of faith and devotion. Alongside spiritual practices, mutual respect, open communication, understanding, and thoughtful decisions are important for building healthy relationships.
What Is the Spiritual Significance of Maa Katyayani?
Maa Katyayani represents the strength to confront challenges, the courage to stand up against injustice, and the determination to move forward despite difficulties.
Her worship during Navratri encourages devotees to reflect on their inner strength and cultivate a positive attitude towards life. It also serves as a reminder that faith, patience, and self-confidence can provide emotional and spiritual support during challenging times.
The sixth day of Navratri is therefore not only an occasion for prayer and ritual worship but also an opportunity to practise courage, clarity, discipline, and compassion in everyday life.
On this auspicious day, devotees seek Maa Katyayani's blessings for happiness, peace, prosperity, and the wisdom to make the right choices.
May Maa Katyayani bless everyone with strength, courage, positivity, and success.
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