Chaitra Gupta Navratri Katyayani Puja 2026

Katyayani Puja is the sixth day of Chaitra Navratri, observed on Chaitra Shukla Shashti, when devotees worship Goddess Katyayani, the sixth of the Navadurga forms. Chaitra Navratri begins with Ugadi and ends on Sri Rama Navami, and the Katyayani day is especially associated with courage, protection of dharma and blessings for a good marriage.

The Story of Goddess Katyayani

Sage Katyayana, born in the lineage of Sage Kata, performed long penance hoping the Divine Mother would be born as his daughter. When the gods could no longer bear the tyranny of Mahishasura, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined their radiance and a great Shakti appeared. Sage Katyayana was the first to worship her, and so she came to be called Katyayani. Riding a lion, she went on to slay Mahishasura.

The Bhagavatam also describes the gopis of Vraja observing the Katyayani Vratam on the banks of the Yamuna, praying to have Sri Krishna as their husband. This is why young women hoping for a suitable marriage worship her with special devotion.

Her Form

Katyayani shines with a golden glow and rides a lion. She has four arms, holding a sword and a lotus, while the other two hands show the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (boon-giving) gestures. In yogic tradition she is linked with the Ajna chakra.

How to Perform the Puja

• Bathe early and light the lamp near the kalasham installed on the first day.
• Decorate the Goddess's picture with turmeric, kumkum and red flowers.
• Worship Lord Vinayaka first, then offer shodashopachara puja to Katyayani.
• Chant "Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah" 108 times; many also recite Lalitha Sahasranamam or the Durga Saptashati.
• Many families offer honey or a sweet made with honey, along with payasam or pulihora.
• Conclude with karpura harathi and offer tambulam, turmeric and kumkum to married women.

Significance

Elders believe that worshipping Katyayani removes obstacles to marriage and strengthens the mind. Since Chaitra Navratri moves towards Sri Rama Navami, some families continue their Ramayana parayanam on this day too. Those who fast usually take fruit and milk, and have a simple sattvic meal after the evening puja.

May Mother Katyayani bless every home with auspicious events completed without obstacles.