Magha Gupta Navratri Katyayani Puja 2026

Katyayani Puja is observed on Magha Shukla Shashti, the sixth day of Magha Gupta Navratri. Goddess Katyayani, the sixth Navadurga form, appeared at the ashram of Sage Katyayana and, in Devi tradition, is the Mahishasuramardini who slew the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Young women praying for a good marriage worship her with special devotion.

The story of Katyayani

Sage Katyayana performed long tapas wishing that the Supreme Shakti be born as his daughter. When Mahishasura's tyranny grew unbearable, the combined radiance of Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara and the other devas took shape as a divine Goddess. Because Sage Katyayana was the first to worship her, she became known as Katyayani. She destroyed Mahishasura in battle and saved the worlds. She has four arms holding a sword and a lotus, with abhaya and varada mudras, and rides a lion. Yogic tradition connects her with the Ajna chakra.

The Gopikas' Katyayani vratham

The Srimad Bhagavatam tells how the Gopikas of Vrindavan made an image of the Goddess in sand on the Yamuna bank and kept the Katyayani vratham, praying to have Sri Krishna as their husband. Their prayer is still widely recited: "Katyayani mahamaye mahayoginyadhishvari, Nandagopasutam devam patim me kuru te namah". Girls hoping for a good alliance chant this mantra with faith.

How to perform the puja

• Bathe in the morning; red or yellow clothes are a good choice.
• Offer turmeric, kumkum and red flowers to the kalasham and Katyayani's picture.
• Recite the dhyana shloka "Chandrahasojjvala kara shardulavaravahana, Katyayani shubham dadyad devi danavaghatini".
• Chant "Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah" 108 times.
• Honey or sweets made with honey are the well-known naivedyam; some also offer payasam and fruits.
• Giving pasupu-kumkum and tambulam to muttaiduvas is considered auspicious.

Significance

Devotees believe Katyayani grants courage, removes fear of enemies and clears obstacles to marriage. For Gupta Navratri sadhakas, this day is an important step in Shakti upasana. Fast as your health allows, or simply spend the day in nama japa.

May Mother Katyayani bless all with auspiciousness and the good they seek.