Observed for nine days, Navratri is an auspicious Hindu festival that is celebrated during Ashwin's lunar month. This year, it falls between October 3rd to October 12th and people worship the nine forms of Maa Durga with fasting, prayers and devotion. On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees honor Goddess Katyayani, one of the most powerful and fierce forms of Maa Durga. Known for her warrior-like nature, she is revered for her role in killing the demon Mahishasura.
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According to mythology, the goddess received powerful weapons from various gods to defeat Mahishasura, showcasing her divine strength and purpose. This day holds a lot of importance in the lives for young women, as unmarried girls across India worship her, seeking blessings for an ideal spouse. This tradition believed to date back to the women of Gokul who prayed to her for a husband like Lord Krishna.
Who Is Devi Katyayani
Maa Katyayani is typically depicted as seated on a lion and she has four hands: one holding a sword, two holding a lotus, and one hand bestowing blessings on her devotees. She is also reffered as Devi Kanya Kumari and it is believed that those who fast in her honour are believed to receive a prosperous married life.
Bhog Offered On Day 6 To Devi Katyayani
On this day, devotees dress in orange and perform a special puja to seek her blessing. A special bhog that includes honey as an offering, is prepared to please the goddess and is followed by an aarti. Panchamrit, a sacred mixture made from milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar and holy water is also presented to Devi Katyayani on the day 6th of Navratri. Honey is an important offering to the Goddess because it is considered to sweeten the relationship between the devotee and the goddess. So, this Navratri worship Maa Katyayani with honey as a special prasad to seek her divine grace.