Day 6
Goddess Katyayani
October 16, 2026
Each night honors a different form of the goddess. Complete your mantra, wear the sacred color, and observe the fast.
Goddess Katyayani
The sixth night belongs to Katyayani, born in the hermitage of the sage Katyayana to answer the gods' prayers for a warrior who could end Mahishasura. She is the fighting form of the Goddess, worshipped for the courage to confront what must be confronted — and traditionally by young women seeking a good marriage.
A Famous Tale of the Goddess
The sage Katyayana performed long penance with a single wish: that the Goddess be born as his daughter. She granted it, and appeared in his ashram as Katyayani, raised as a child of the Katya lineage.
When Mahishasura's tyranny became unbearable, she took up the weapons the gods placed in her hands, rode out on a lion, and met the buffalo demon in a battle the three worlds stopped to watch — the campaign that would end in victory on Vijayadashami.
Iconography & Symbolism
Goddess Katyayani is four-armed, lion-mounted, and armed for open war.
The Mount (Vahana)
She rides a lion into open battle — the form in which the Goddess is most often remembered as Mahishasuramardini.
The Sword
One hand raises a sword: the clean cut that ends a long-standing problem instead of negotiating with it.
The Lotus
Another hand holds a lotus, proof that ferocity and purity live together in her without conflict.
Her Blessing Hands
Two hands rest in the abhaya and varada mudras — fear not, and be granted.
Astrological & Chakra Connections
Ruling Planet: Jupiter (Brihaspati)
She governs Jupiter, the planet of wisdom, teachers, and marriage. Her worship is the classic remedy for delays in marriage and for a weak Guru in the chart.
Chakra Connection: Ajna (Third Eye)
Day 6 opens the Ajna Chakra between the brows, where the devotee begins to see a situation as it actually is rather than as they fear it to be.
How to Do the Puja
Auspicious Color of the Day
Green (Symbolizing growth, fertility, and new life).
Favorite Flower
Marigold (Genda).
Special Bhog (Offering)
Honey. Offering honey is believed to bring sweetness of speech and a magnetic presence.
Step-by-Step Ritual:
Bathe early and wear green.
Water the barley sprouts and clean the altar.
Place the image of Goddess Katyayani and offer marigolds.
Offer honey as bhog.
Chant the Katyayani mantra 108 times, naming the obstacle you want removed.
Perform the Aarti and, if you keep the vow, fast until evening.
Special Milestones: Bilva Nimantran & Kalparambha
In Bengal's Durga Puja, the sixth day (Shashthi) is when the Goddess is formally welcomed. The face of the idol is unveiled, Bilva Nimantran is performed by inviting her into a bel (wood apple) tree, and Kalparambha marks the start of the ritual vow. From this evening the pandals open and the public celebration begins.
Sacred Mantras
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah
(ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः)
(Chant this 108 times using a rudraksha or lotus-seed mala).
The Chant (Japa)
Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana | Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini ||
“May Katyayani, slayer of demons, whose hand blazes with the sword Chandrahasa and who rides a tiger, grant me all good.”
The Dhyana Mantra (Meditation)
Next Days
Day 7
Goddess Kalaratri
October 17
Represents: A ferocious, dark destroyer of ignorance and negativity who grants absolute fearlessness to her devotees.
Day 8
Goddess Mahagauri
October 18
Represents: Deep serenity, absolute purity, and the cleansing of all past sins and karmic burdens.
Day 9
Goddess Siddhidatri
October 19
Represents: The ultimate granter of spiritual perfection, divine powers (siddhis), and enlightenment.