Day 6 of Sharad Navratri is celebrated for the arrival of sixth form of Navdurga – Goddess Katyayani. Known as Shashthi, this day is very important in Hindu Calendar. Goddess Katyayani is the second name for Goddess Parvati. She was born as a daughter to Katyayana rishi but her birth was not a usual one. Story of her creation is mentioned in Vamana Purana. Her birth was a great support to the gods under distress who were fighting with demon Vaibhav and other demons.
Tithi: Shashthi
Date: 6th October, 2016 (Thursday)
Begin Time (Muhurat): 5:31PM on 6th October (Thursday)
End Time: 7:41PM on 7th October (Friday)
Colour: Orange
Goddess: Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani is always appears in pink saree with white rosary around her neck. She is said to have four arms and three eyes and lion as her vehicle. It is believed that unmarried girls who worship Goddess Katyayani are blessed by Goddess with their desired husband. Worshiping Goddess Kayayani and keeping fast for her removes all hurdles during or in marriage and the goddess bless the people. No girl stays unmarried after worshipping the goddess, especially on the 6th day of Sharad Navratri. All the devotees should pray to her with full devotion and the Goddess will bless her with Dharma, Artha, Karma and Moksha.
The temple of Goddess Katyayani are spread all over India. Names and places at which they are located are
1. Maa Katyayani Temple- Kolhapur, Mumbai
2. Maa Katyayani Shaktipeeth Adhar Devi- Mount Abu, Rajasthan
3. Sri Kartyayani Temple- Kerela
4. Maa Katyayani Peeth Temple- Vrindavan
5. Chhatarpur Temple- Delhi
6. Sri Katyayani Amman Temple-Tamil Nadu.
Story Behind Maa Katyayani:
There is always a story behind all the carnations of all the nine avatars of Goddess. According to Hindu mythology it is believed that there was a sage(rishi) named Katyayan who had a wish that Goddess Durga may take birth as his daughter to get his wish completed he performed hard penance(tapsaya). After many years of penance and sacrifice, Goddess accepted his wish. Then Goddess Durga was born in the sage home. Now Goddess Durga was born as Goddess Katyayani on Krishna Chaturdarshi, and this is only reasons she is known by this name.
Goddess Kalyayani was the most violent of all the nice forms of Goddess, but at the same time she shows mercy to her devotees and blesses them.
Colour for the Day:
Colour for the 6th Day of Sharad Navratri is believed to be Orange. On this day, Maa Katyayani arrives as a daughter wearing yellow. Orange colour represents sage and Maa Katyayani was daughter to a sage. Hence, this is the colour devotees shall wear and welcome Maa Katyayani.
Navratri Food:
Navratri food menu on the 6th day remains the same – roti or poori made of buckwheat (Kuttu Aata). Those who believe the foods must be prepared at home can go with it. Offer the foods to the gods and goddesses first and then have it. And for others who are running fast in life and seek no time for cooking at home can go with the restaurants. Many restaurants in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore serve pure veg Navratra Thalis. Dominos, too, have turned 500 of its outlet to completely veg serving pizzas made of buckwheat flours. No onion or garlic should be included in the food.
Maa Katyayani Mantra:
Chanting Maa Katyayani Mantra on 6th day of Navratri connects you with the goddess and she showers her blessings in all forms. She blesses her devotees with health and prosperity.
Dhyan Mantra –
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥
Prarthana –
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥
Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana।
Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini॥
Stuti –
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
