Navarathri is a wondrous time, with many devotees experiencing a profound sense of faith and devotion for the Goddess Maa Durga. Her Navadurga manifestations are the highlight of this awe-inspiring Indian festival. Each of the nine Goddesses of Navarathri has a unique day, with special rituals and pujas dedicated solely to her. A dedicated believer will spend all nine days immersed in the many rituals that need to be performed during these nine days.
Top 10s Only presents a brief glimpse of the traditions associated with Day 6 of the Navarathri festival.
Have you read our post about the significance of celebrating Day 5 of the Navarathri festival? In case you didn’t, make sure to read our article about it!
Significances of Day 6 of Navarathri
The sixth day of Navarathri is dedicated to Goddess Maa Katyayani. Goddess Katyayani is the fiercest form of Goddess Maa Durga. This day is celebrated to remember her victory over the demon Mahishasura.
Goddess Maa Katyayani is the Devi who slew the evil demon Mahishasura. Even though she has enough anger in her to kill such a vicious demon, Goddess Maa Katyayani sits atop a lion in a calm and composed stance with her right leg folded and left leg on the floor. It is a stance that is commonly associated with sages – just like they have complete control over their emotions, Goddess Maa Katyayani also follows the same.
1. The Name Of Goddess Worshipped On Day 6 Of Navarathri
Day 6 of the Navarathri festival is dedicated to Goddess Maa Katyayani. Her name is Katyayani as she was born at the hands of sage Katyayana. She is commonly referred to as the ‘warrior goddess’. Goddess Maa Katyayani is the most violent form of Maa Durga as she killed the demon Mahishasura. Hence, she also gets the name Mahishasura Mardini where ‘Mardini’ means ‘killer’. She is also called Chandikadevi.
Goddess Katyayani has four hands and three eyes. She wears a white rosary around her neck and is seated on a lion. Her two right hands hold the Vara and Abhaya mudras, while she holds a sword and a lotus on the left. Her abode is the third eye chakra.
2. The Speciality Of The Goddess Worshipped On Day 6 Of Navarathri
The story of Goddess Katyayani is remembered with the celebrations of the 6th day of Navaratri as she was born from the intense anger of Gods towards the doings of Mahishasura. The main reason for the birth of Devi Katyayani was to kill the demon. His cruelty was such that it angered the Gods immensely. So Lords Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva combined their energies into crystallized rays. These rays were formed at the hermitage of Katyanana Rishi, who gave it a proper form, and Goddess Maa Katyayani was born. She grew to become a strong woman who went on to kill the mighty Mahishasura.
3. The Colour On Day 6 Of Navarathri
Navarathri day 6 colour is Green – The green colour signifies growth and new beginnings. It refers to the blessing of Goddess Skandamata Maa Katyayani. Devotees are often seen wearing clothes of this colour to mark the significance of this day.
4. The Sweets To Be Offered On Day 6 Of Navarathri
As Navarathri day 6 bhog, white-coloured sweets are offered to the Goddess Maa Katyayani. Coconut puttu and milk payasam are arranged beautifully in thaalies and offered to her while chanting prayers.
5. The Snacks To Be Offered On Day 6 Of Navarathri
Rajma sundal (made from red-kidney beans) and green-gram sundal are the savouries made as part of Navarathri day 6 prasadam. It is enjoyed with great relish.
6. The Other Food Items To Be Offered On Day 6 Of Navarathri
On day 6 of Navarathri, other offerings made to the Goddess Maa Katyayani are honey, orange, and pomegranate. Honey is also offered to the Goddess, along with flowers, fruits, and betel nuts.
7. The Flowers To Be Offered On Day 6 Of Navarathri
Hibiscus and kumkum flower are the special flowers that are offered as part of the Navarathri day 6 offering. Houses and puja areas may be seen decorated with these flowers.
8. The Rangoli On Day 6 Of Navarathri
Beautiful rangoli (kolam) is drawn with Bengal gram flour for Navarathri 6th day aarti. Usually, the Goddess’s name is written. These are a sight to behold at the entrances of each house.
9. The Raaga On Day 6 of Navarathri
Devotional songs in Neelambari raaga are of great significance on day 6 of Navarathri. It is a raaga associated with peace, slumber, and relaxation. It is said to be soothing to one’s senses.
10. The Belief On Day 6 Of Navarathri
Goddess Maa Katyayani was worshipped by Radha, Sita, and Rukmini to get good husbands. Since Goddess Katyayani signifies shakti, those who pray to her are said to be blessed with courage and knowledge. By worshipping this Goddess, you will see success in any legal proceedings and will wipe all your worries away. It is also believed by praying to this Devi, you may accumulate wealth. Devotees are also blessed with a happy life.
What rituals and celebrations are performed at your place during the 6th day of Navarathri? Do let us know in the comments.
If you are still interested in reading more about the festival of Navarathri, you may find reading about the Top 10 Significance Of Day 7 Of Navarathri very interesting.