Navratri Day 6 is 16 Oct 2026 (Friday). On this day we worship Maa Katyayani - daughter of Sage Katyayana and the form of the Goddess who destroyed Mahishasura. This page gives her story from scripture, her form, how to do the puja at home, her mantra and the traditional offering, in simple English.
Day 6: Maa Katyayani
कात्यायनी
16 Oct 2026, Friday. Daughter of sage Katyayana and the form of the Goddess who destroyed Mahishasura.
| Navratri day | Day 6 of 9 |
| Date | 16 Oct 2026, Friday |
| Goddess | Maa Katyayani (कात्यायनी) |
| Meaning | Daughter of sage Katyayana and the form of the Goddess who destroyed Mahishasura |
| Traditional offering (bhog) | Honey (shahad) |
| Mantra | Om Devī Kātyāyanyai Namaḥ |
| Scriptural source | Devi Kavacham, Durga Saptashati |
Who is Maa Katyayani?
The Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati, Chapters 2 to 4) tells the story of Mahishasura, the Asura (not 'demon' in the Western sense, but a being of Tamas who turned against Dharma). Mahishasura received a boon that no man or god could kill him. He conquered the three worlds and drove the Devas from Svarga. The Devas approached Brahma and Vishnu, who combined their divine energies along with Shiva's. This combined Shakti took the form of Goddess Katyayani. She was born in the ashram of sage Katyayana, who had performed great tapas to receive her as his daughter. She fought Mahishasura for nine days and defeated him on the tenth day, which we celebrate as Vijayadashami.
Her form
She has four arms. In her right hands she holds a sword and shows the abhaya mudra. In her left hands she holds a lotus and shows the varada mudra. She rides a lion. She shines with golden light.
Puja at home
Offer honey to Maa Katyayani. The Bhagavata Purana (Skandha 10, Chapter 22) tells that the young gopis of Braj kept a month-long vow to Maa Katyayani, praying to have Sri Krishna as their husband. Following this tradition, unmarried young women pray to her for a good life partner. Everyone can pray to her for strength to face what is difficult in life.
Traditional offering (bhog): Honey (shahad). Offerings follow family and regional tradition; offer with love whatever you have.
Mantra
Scriptural source: Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati), Chapters 2 to 4, tells the full story of the Goddess and Mahishasura. Devi Kavacham names her as the sixth Navadurga. The story of the gopis' Katyayani vrat is in the Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 10, Chapter 22.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which scripture tells the story of Mahishasura?
The Devi Mahatmya, also called the Durga Saptashati, found within the Markandeya Purana (Chapters 81 to 93). It has 700 verses and is read daily during Navratri. It describes how the Goddess defeated Mahishasura after nine days of battle.
Why do young women pray to Katyayani?
The Bhagavata Purana (Skandha 10, Chapter 22) describes how the gopis of Braj observed a month-long vow to Maa Katyayani during Margashirsha month, praying to have Sri Krishna as their husband. Following this tradition, unmarried young women pray to her for a good husband.
What does Vijayadashami celebrate?
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) celebrates the victory of the Goddess over Mahishasura on the tenth day, as described in the Devi Mahatmya. It also celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana on the same tithi, as described in the Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda.
Can elderly people or those with health problems keep the Navratri fast?
Yes. Our tradition has always allowed a lighter phalahar fast (fruits, milk and sattvik foods) for the elderly, the unwell and pregnant women. The Devi Bhagavata Purana says the Goddess values sincere devotion above physical austerity. If you have diabetes, blood pressure or take regular medicines, please speak to your doctor before keeping a strict fast. Devotion of the heart is what reaches the Goddess.
What foods are avoided during the Navratri vrat?
The vrat tradition, as observed across India, avoids wheat, rice, lentils, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food and regular table salt. Allowed foods include fruits, milk, paneer, ghee, sendha namak (rock salt), kuttu (buckwheat) flour, singhara (water chestnut) flour, rajgira (amaranth) flour, sabudana, potatoes and all fresh fruits and nuts.
Do I need a pandit to do Navratri puja at home?
No. The Navratri puja at home can be done simply and sincerely by any member of the family. Light a lamp, offer flowers and bhog, chant the Goddess's mantra or read from the Durga Saptashati, and do the aarti. The Devi Bhagavata Purana says the Goddess herself comes to homes where she is invited with a pure heart.
Navratri 2026 series
- Navratri 2026: complete guide and dates
- Ghatasthapana: kalash sthapana at home
- Day 1 (Orange): Maa Shailaputri
- Day 2 (White): Maa Brahmacharini
- Day 3 (Red): Maa Chandraghanta
- Day 4 (Royal Blue): Maa Kushmanda
- Day 5 (Yellow): Maa Skandamata
- Day 6 (Green): Maa Katyayani
- Day 7 (Grey): Maa Kalaratri
- Day 8 (Purple): Maa Mahagauri
- Day 9 (Peacock Green): Maa Siddhidatri
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Jai Mata Di. Navratri Day 6: Maa Katyayani. Sharad Navratri 2026.