MAA KATYAYANI
(Image credit: ABP News)
This year, the sixth day of Navratri falls on the 1st of October, on Saturday. This nine-day festival is celebrated with great devotion and joy, where the disciples worship Maa Durga and her nine avatars, also known as Navadurgas. Each day is devoted to one avatar of Maa Durga. On the sixth day, Maa Shakti or Maa Katyayani is worshiped by the followers.
According to Hindu legend, Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva merged their powers to establish Maa Katyayani, who destroyed Mahishasura the devil. In this manner, she hailed as the Warrior Goddess.
About Maa Katyayani:
Maa Katyayani is observed as one of the most brutal facets of Maa Durga. The Goddess slaughtered Mahishasura, the demon king, because of which she is regarded as Mahishasurmardini. She is illustrated mounting a lion, with a crescent moon adorning her forehead, and with her four hands that hold a sword and a lotus flower on the left side and Abhaya and Varada Mudras on the right side (indicating the removal of fear).
The Vamana Purana says that Maa Katyayani was created from the collective strengths of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other Gods after the demon Mahishasura and his misdeeds outraged them. They exemplified this wrath in the structure of vigor that formed in the sanctuary of Katyayana Rishi, who then lent it adequate shape. Hence, this feature of Maa Durga is realized as Katyayani, the daughter of Katyayana.
In mythology scripts, it is said that Rishi Katyayana was a loyal disciple of Maa Shakti. Observing his dedication, Goddess Durga bestowed his longing to be a father to Maa Shakti. She was born as his daughter, matured as a powerful, lovely, and a proficient warrior, who executed Mahishasura.
Timing of the 6th day Navratri:
According to Drik Panchang, the Brahma Muhurta starts at 4:37 a.m and halts at 5:25 am.
Abhijit Muhurat – 11:47 a.m to 12:34 p.m.
Vijaya Muhurta – 2:09 p.m to 2:57 p.m. Ravi Yoga – to be examined from 6:14 a.m 1st October to 3:11 a.m on 2nd October.
Color of the 6th day of Navratri:
Gray is the color of the sixth day of Navratri. This embodies emotional balance and makes the individual grounded. Followers should don this color to remain balanced and rooted.
Puja Vidhi and Samagri for this day:
Disciples should get up early, take a bath, and wear fresh new clothes. Wash the puja chowki and dedicate fresh flowers to the idol of the Goddess. Holding lotus flowers in their hands they can pray and chant Mantras having Stotra Paath.
While praying to Maa Katyayani one should fulfill the Panchopachara puja by devoting Gandham, Pushpam, Deepam, Naivedyam, and Sugandham and shringar items like mehendi, sindoor, bindi, kajal, bangles, toe ring, aalta, comb, mirror, necklace, earrings, nose pin, anklets, red chunri, etc.
Complete the puja by attending to aarti of Maa Katyayani. After honoring Maa Katyayani, one should worship Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu too.
Bhog for Maa Katyayani:
On day 6 of Navratri, devotees yearn for the blessings of Goddess Katyayani, by serving the unique ‘bhog’ of jaggery, honey, and roasted Bengal gram.
Importance of the 6th day of Navratri:
Applauded as the Adishakti or Warrior Goddess, Maa Katyayani is one of the most powerful forms of Devi Durga. She signifies intellect and stability. She overrules the planet Brihaspati. It is suggested that the boons of Goddess Katyayani can rid away the offenses of her supporters, erase barriers, and eliminate negative powers.
Moreover, on this day during Navratri, unmarried girls keep a fast and worship Maa Katyayani to get a husband of their preference. According to a legend, Maa Sita, Rukmini, and the Gopis in the Braj territory worshiped Maa Katyayani to obtain a life partner of their choice. It is also said that she enhances the married lives of her devotees.
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