Comprehensive Guide to Worship on the Sixth Day of Navratri in Hinduism
The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, one of the most powerful and fierce forms of Maa Durga. She represents courage, knowledge, and victory over evil. Worshiping her on this day helps devotees seek her blessings for strength, protection, and the elimination of obstacles, especially in matters related to marriage and relationships.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting the puja with eco-friendly practices.
Importance of the Sixth Day of Navratri (Maa Katyayani)
Goddess Katyayani is a symbol of strength and power. She is believed to bring harmony and positivity into the lives of her devotees. The sixth day of Navratri holds a special significance as it is said that Maa Katyayani blesses those who seek her grace with mental strength, freedom from fears, and marital happiness.
Preparation for the Puja: Cleanliness & Setup
Cleanliness:
Purity is essential in Hindu worship, and it’s important to ensure that the space, the puja items, and the person conducting the puja are clean. Before starting, take a bath, wear fresh, light-colored (preferably yellow) clothes, and cleanse the puja space thoroughly.Eco-Friendly Setup:
Set up the altar using eco-friendly traditional materials, avoiding plastic or harmful items. Opt for biodegradable items such as clay diyas (lamps), copper/brass utensils, and banana or coconut leaves.Puja Timings:
Perform the puja during the morning hours after sunrise. The auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) can vary, but early morning is generally preferred.
Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly)
- Durga idol or photo (preferably made from natural materials like clay or wood)
- Kalash (Copper or Brass pot) filled with pure water, mango leaves, and a coconut
- Yellow flowers (like marigold), as yellow is the color associated with this day
- Fresh fruits (bananas, apples, coconut)
- Akshat (unbroken rice)
- Roli (kumkum or vermillion) and turmeric
- Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee)
- Eco-friendly incense sticks made from natural materials
- Camphor for aarti
- Natural oil for lighting diyas (mustard oil or ghee)
- Offerings (Prasad) made with natural, home-cooked food like halwa, puris, or fruits
- Organic sandalwood paste for tilak
- Coconut for offering
Simple Steps to Perform the Puja
Prepare the Puja Space:
Place the image or idol of Maa Katyayani in a clean and auspicious corner of your home (preferably facing east). Place the Kalash in front of the deity and light the diya using mustard oil or ghee.Invocation (Dhyaan):
Start by invoking the presence of Goddess Katyayani with a peaceful mind. Close your eyes, and chant the following mantra to invoke the goddess:Dhyan Mantra:
Chandrahasojjval Karaa Shaardula Varvaahna
Katyayani Shubham Dadyaad Devi Daanav GhaatiniOffering of Flowers and Akshat:
Offer yellow flowers (such as marigolds) and akshat (rice mixed with turmeric) to the goddess. These symbolize purity and devotion.Panchamrit Abhishek (Holy Bath):
Perform an abhishek (ritual bath) for the goddess with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, honey, curd, ghee, and sugar). Afterward, offer fresh water.Offerings and Prayers:
Offer coconut, fruits, and sweets (Prasad) like Halwa or Puri, prepared using organic ingredients. Offer incense sticks, lit camphor, and a ghee lamp to the goddess.Chant the Katyayani Mantra:
Recite the following mantra for seeking the blessings of Goddess Katyayani:"Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah"
(Chant the mantra 108 times using a rosary or Mala.)Recite Durga Chalisa:
After chanting the mantra, recite Durga Chalisa, a 40-verse prayer in praise of Goddess Durga.Aarti:
Conclude the puja by performing the Aarti using camphor and a brass or copper diya. Offer the Aarti to the goddess by rotating the diya in a clockwise direction.
Prasad to Prepare
For this day, you can prepare the following eco-friendly, sattvic offerings:
Halwa:
Made from semolina (sooji), ghee, sugar, and water. You can also use jaggery instead of sugar for a healthier alternative.Puri:
Prepare wheat puris using pure ghee.Fruit Offerings:
Coconut, bananas, pomegranates, or any seasonal fruits are excellent eco-friendly Prasad items.Organic Sweets:
Ladoo made with besan (gram flour) and ghee is another ideal Prasad.
Concluding the Puja
Shanti Path (Peace Prayer):
After the Aarti, conclude with a peace prayer for the well-being of the world:"Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,
Sarve Santu Niramayah,
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu,
Ma Kaschid Dukhabhagbhavet."Distribution of Prasad:
Distribute the prepared prasad among family members and neighbors.Immersing Puja Leftover Items (Eco-Friendly Way):
The leftover items like flowers, leaves, and water from the Kalash should be disposed of in an eco-friendly manner. Instead of immersing them in rivers, you can:- Compost the organic waste such as flowers and leaves in a garden or potted plants.
- Use the water from the Kalash to water plants.
- Recycle the coconut and fruits as offerings for the next day or share them with others.
Benefits of Worshiping on the Sixth Day of Navratri
Victory Over Obstacles:
Worshiping Maa Katyayani is believed to remove obstacles, especially those related to marriage and relationships.Strength and Courage:
Maa Katyayani blesses her devotees with strength, courage, and protection from evil.Spiritual Growth:
The puja helps one attain wisdom, spiritual knowledge, and mental peace.Improved Relationships:
It is said that unmarried women praying to Maa Katyayani on this day are blessed with good life partners. Married couples can pray for harmony and happiness.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Puja Practices
Avoid Plastic:
Use clay or copper idols, eco-friendly rangoli colors, and natural flowers.Composting:
All organic waste from the puja, such as flowers and leaves, should be composted rather than discarded into water bodies.Reusable Puja Items:
Opt for brass, copper, or steel utensils and traditional cloth for puja to minimize waste.
By following these eco-friendly practices, you not only honor the goddess but also respect and care for the environment.
By worshiping with devotion and adhering to these simple, traditional, and eco-friendly guidelines, you will be able to connect with the divine energy of Maa Katyayani on the sixth day of Navratri, leading to inner peace, strength, and spiritual fulfillment.