What to do on Day-6 of Navratri?

Navratri Day 6: Worship of Goddess Katyayani – The Fierce Protector

Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is a time of intense devotion, rituals, and spiritual practices. On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Katyayani, a fierce and powerful form of the Goddess. This day is particularly significant for those seeking strength, protection, and the removal of obstacles in their lives. Day 6 is marked by specific rituals, prayers, and food offerings that honor the Goddess and invoke her blessings.

Significance of Day 6: Worship of Goddess Katyayani

Goddess Katyayani is revered as one of the most powerful and fierce forms of Durga. She is often depicted riding a lion, with four hands holding a sword, lotus, and other symbolic items, representing her ability to destroy evil and protect her devotees. According to Hindu mythology, Katyayani was born to the sage Katyayana after he performed intense penance to have the Goddess as his daughter. She later manifested to destroy the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Worshiping Goddess Katyayani on the sixth day of Navratri is believed to remove obstacles, particularly those related to marriage and relationships. She is also invoked for strength and courage, helping devotees overcome fears and challenges in their lives.

Rituals and Celebrations on Day 6

1. Morning Rituals and Puja:

• The day begins with a purification ritual, where devotees take a bath and wear clean clothes, preferably in yellow, which is considered auspicious for this day. The worship area or temple is cleaned and decorated with flowers, especially marigolds, and other offerings like incense and lamps.
• The puja (worship) to Goddess Katyayani is performed with devotion and precision. Devotees place an idol or image of the Goddess on the altar, along with a Kalash (sacred pot) filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut, symbolizing the presence of the divine.
• Devotees chant specific mantras dedicated to Katyayani, such as the Katyayani Mantra: “Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah,” which is repeated to invoke the Goddess’s blessings. The recitation of Durga Saptashati, a text consisting of 700 verses, is also common during this puja, as it narrates the tales of Durga’s valor and power.
• Offerings to the Goddess typically include yellow flowers, fruits, sweets, and especially honey, which is considered a favorite of Katyayani. The aarti (a ritual of waving lighted lamps) is performed at the end of the puja, accompanied by the singing of devotional songs.

2. Fasting and Dietary Observances:

• Many devotees observe a fast on Day 6, consuming only specific foods that are permitted during Navratri. These include fruits, nuts, dairy products, and foods made from ingredients like buckwheat flour (kuttu), water chestnut flour (singhara), and tapioca pearls (sabudana).
• Common dishes prepared on this day include:
  • Kuttu Ki Puri: A deep-fried bread made from buckwheat flour, often served with aloo (potato) curry.
  • Sabudana Khichdi: A savory dish made from tapioca pearls, potatoes, and peanuts, seasoned with cumin and green chilies.
  • Sweet Dishes: Halwa made from singhara flour or kheer (a type of rice pudding) are popular sweets prepared on this day.
• For those who are not fasting, a simple vegetarian meal that adheres to the dietary restrictions of Navratri is prepared. Onions, garlic, and certain grains are typically avoided, in keeping with the sattvic (pure) nature of the festival.

3. Special Puja for Marriage and Relationships:

• Day 6 is particularly auspicious for those who are seeking blessings for marriage or resolving issues in relationships. Many unmarried women perform the Katyayani Vrata, a special fast and worship dedicated to the Goddess, to seek a good husband or to remove obstacles in their marriage prospects.
• The ritual involves offering special prayers to Goddess Katyayani, along with flowers, kumkum (vermilion), and sweets. Women also tie a sacred thread around their wrist or wear a garland made of yellow flowers as part of this vrata.
• The belief is that by observing this fast and performing the puja with devotion, Goddess Katyayani will bless them with a harmonious and successful married life.

4. Evening Aarti and Bhajans:

• In the evening, devotees gather for the aarti, where lamps are lit, and the deity is worshiped with songs and hymns. The atmosphere is charged with devotion as the aarti is performed with conch blowing, bell ringing, and the chanting of mantras.
• Following the aarti, devotional music and dance performances, such as Garba and Dandiya, are organized in many communities. These dances are not just cultural activities but are also seen as a form of devotion and celebration of the divine feminine.

5. Havan and Yagna:

• In some households and temples, a havan (fire ritual) is performed on this day. The havan is conducted by offering ghee, herbs, and grains into the sacred fire while chanting mantras to invoke Goddess Katyayani.
• The havan is believed to purify the surroundings and bring peace, prosperity, and protection to the devotees. It is also a way to express gratitude to the Goddess for her blessings.

6. Community Activities and Offerings:

• On Day 6, many devotees participate in community activities such as distributing food and clothes to the needy. This act of charity is seen as a way to earn the blessings of the Goddess, as it reflects the values of compassion and generosity.
• In some regions, processions are organized, where the idol or image of Goddess Katyayani is taken through the streets, accompanied by music and dance. Devotees join in these processions, singing hymns and offering flowers and sweets to the deity.

The Spiritual Essence of Day 6

Day 6 of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, emphasizes the themes of strength, protection, and the removal of obstacles. The rituals and prayers on this day are centered around invoking the fierce and protective aspects of the Goddess, seeking her blessings for courage and success in overcoming challenges.

1. Inner Strength and Courage:

• Goddess Katyayani is the embodiment of courage and strength. Worshiping her on this day helps devotees cultivate these qualities within themselves, enabling them to face life’s challenges with determination and resolve.

2. Protection and Removal of Obstacles:

• Katyayani is also revered as the remover of obstacles, particularly in matters of marriage and relationships. Devotees seek her intervention to resolve issues and bring harmony and stability to their lives.

3. Community and Devotion:

• The communal aspects of the celebrations, such as group aartis, bhajans, and processions, reinforce the sense of unity and shared devotion among the participants. These activities not only enhance the spiritual experience but also strengthen the bonds within the community.

Conclusion

Navratri Day 6, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Katyayani, is a day of deep spiritual significance and powerful rituals. The day is marked by intense devotion, with rituals and prayers focused on invoking the strength, protection, and blessings of the Goddess. Whether through fasting, special pujas, or community activities, devotees express their reverence and seek the divine grace of Katyayani to overcome obstacles and lead a life of courage and righteousness.

As Navratri progresses, the energy and devotion of the devotees continue to build, leading them closer to the culmination of this sacred festival. Day 6 serves as a powerful reminder of the Goddess’s protective and nurturing nature, encouraging all to embrace their inner strength and face life’s challenges with confidence and faith.