Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratri, is a nine-day Hindu festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, who represents various aspects of the divine feminine. Navratri Day 6, known as Shashti or Sashti, devotees worship Goddess Katyayani.
According to Hindu mythology, Katyayani was born out of the penance performed by sage Katyayana. She is portrayed as a fierce and powerful warrior goddess, riding a lion and wielding a sword, a lotus, a discus, and a conch shell in her four arms. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Katyayani on this day can help her devotees overcome obstacles and achieve moksha.
Maa Katyayani Puja
The sixth day of Navratri is regarded as a lucky day to begin new endeavors since Devi Katyayani helps her followers achieve moksha. Worshipping the Goddess on this day might also aid in overcoming obstacles in life. To obtain the blessings of the Goddess, worshippers observe fasts and carry out special puja rituals.
The Goddess is offered flowers, fruits, and other presents while mantras are chanted, and incense and lamps (Deepak) are lit. Devotees fast as a sign of their devotion to the Goddess. They refrain from eating grains and stick to eating only fruits, milk, and other light food items all day.
Rituals and Daan on Chaitra Navratri Day 6
On Navratri Day 6, devotees also donate food, clothes, and other necessities to the less fortunate, as the act of giving is considered an important aspect of the festival. They prepare distinctive meals as an offering to the Goddess, which are later served as prasad to family and friends.
Navratri Bhog
On this day, devotees prepare distinctive meals as an offering to the Goddess. These delicacies are eventually served as prasad to family and friends. Preparing bhog or special food items is an essential part of the puja.
Chanting Maa Katyayani Mantras
Another important aspect of the festival is the chanting of mantras. Devotees perform a havan, or fire ritual, to purify the atmosphere and invoke the blessings of Goddess Katyayani. Mantras such as “Om Devi Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadheeshwari Nandgopsutam Devipatim Me Kuru Te Namah” and “Hreem Shreem Kleem Katyayani Sarvajagadadhatri Swaha” are chanted to seek divine blessings and guidance.
Conclusion
Navratri Day 6 is a day of great significance and joy for Hindus. It is a day to worship the fierce warrior goddess Katyayani and seek her blessings to overcome obstacles in life. Devotees observe fasts, perform pujas, donate to the less fortunate, prepare bhog, and chant mantras to please the Goddess. On this auspicious day, people seek to deepen their connection with the divine and embrace the spirit of selfless service and devotion.
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