Navratri day 6: Goddess Katyayani worshipped, devotees to wear green
On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Katyayani, the sixth form of Navadurga, and wear green, the colour of the day.
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Today is the sixth day of Navratri. On this day, Goddess Katyayani, the sixth form among the Navadurga, is worshipped. She is regarded as a symbol of strength, patience and victory. Devotees pray to her with faith, seeking happiness, prosperity and good health.
According to the description, the goddess's vehicle is the lion and she has four hands. One hand holds a sword and another a lotus, while the remaining hands are described as showing the abhaya and varada mudras.
Green will be worn on the sixth day of Navratri this time. Green is regarded as a symbol of nature, prosperity and new energy. It is customary to wear green clothes and worship the goddess on this day.
As for the method of worship, one should rise early, clean the house and the home shrine, and light a lamp before the goddess. Flowers are offered after worshipping Mata Katyayani. Milk, sugar or a sweet made from sugar is offered to her as naivedya. Any offering may be made according to the family tradition.
Honey is offered as naivedya to Goddess Katyayani. If honey is not available, kheer, pedas or another sweet may be offered according to one's own tradition.
During worship, the mantra "Om Devi Katyayani Namah" is chanted. If possible, the Durga Saptashati, the goddess's aarti or a stotra related to Navratri may also be recited.
According to mythology, the sage Maharishi Katyayan performed severe penance to the goddess. Pleased with his penance, the goddess was born as a daughter in his house. It is believed that this is how she came to be called Katyayani.
Mata Katyayani is regarded as the radiant and valiant form of Adishakti. Devotees believe she destroys injustice and protects dharma. This form of the goddess conveys the message of strength, fearlessness and victory over evil tendencies.
