Navratri: Nine Days and the Goddesses
Navratri celebrates nine forms of the Divine Mother across nine nights. Each day honours a distinct aspect of Shakti, with its own rituals and focus. A commonly followed sequence of the nine goddesses is:
- Day 1: Shailaputri
- Day 2: Brahmacharini
- Day 3: Chandraghanta
- Day 4: Kushmanda
- Day 5: Skandamata (navratri day 5 goddess)
- Day 6: Maa Katyayani (navratri day 6 / navratri 6th day)
- Day 7: Kalaratri
- Day 8: Mahagauri
- Day 9: Siddhidatri
Maa Katyayani — Day 6 Navratri
Day 6 Navratri honours Maa Katyayani, a fierce and compassionate form of the Goddess who represents courage and the removal of obstacles in married life and personal growth. Devotees invoke her for strength, protection and to overcome hardships.
Maa Katyayani Mantra
A simple mantra often recited on Navratri Day 6 is offered below for daily practice. Chant with focus and respect:
“ॐ देवी कात्यायनायै नमः” (Om Devi Katyayanayai Namah)
Repeat this mantra in sets (e.g., 108 or 21) according to your comfort, ideally during a short puja or meditation. The mantra is short, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
Navratri Day 5 — Maa Skandamata (and the Day 5 Colour)
Navratri Day 5 celebrates Maa Skandamata, mother of Skanda (Kartikeya). She represents maternal love and strength. The navratri day 5 colour varies by tradition; a commonly followed colour for day 5 is white, symbolizing purity and peace. Colour customs can differ by region — follow local practice if you observe regional traditions.
Navratri: Nine Days Colours (commonly followed)
Colour traditions help devotees mark each day visually. A commonly used set (regional variations exist) is:
- Day 1 — Yellow
- Day 2 — Green
- Day 3 — Grey
- Day 4 — Orange
- Day 5 — White
- Day 6 — Red
- Day 7 — Royal Blue / Purple
- Day 8 — Pink
- Day 9 — Peacock Green
Blessing
Worshipping Maa Katyayani on Navratri Day 6 is believed to bring inner courage, clarity in decision-making, and relief from fear. A short ritual can include lighting a lamp, offering fresh flowers, reciting the Maa Katyayani mantra and reflecting quietly on the qualities you wish to cultivate. The blessing is as much about intention as ritual.
Simple Day-6 Practice (bullet points)
- Clean a small altar or place a picture of Maa Katyayani.
- Light a ghee or oil lamp and offer fresh flowers.
- Chant the Maa Katyayani mantra 21–108 times with focused breath.
- Spend a few minutes in silent prayer or reflection on courage and compassion.
Disclaimer
This article offers general cultural and devotional information about Navratri and Maa Katyayani. Practices, colours and mantras can vary by tradition and region. For ritual precision, consult a trusted family or community source. The content is informational and not prescriptive.
FAQs
Q1. What is the mantra for Maa Katyayani on Navratri Day 6?
A1. A commonly used short mantra is “ॐ देवी कात्यायनायै नमः” (Om Devi Katyayanayai Namah), chanted with devotion during day 6 puja.
Q2. Which goddess is worshipped on Navratri Day 5 and what is the day 5 colour?
A2. Navratri Day 5 celebrates Maa Skandamata (navratri day 5 goddess). A commonly followed colour for day 5 is white, though regional variations exist.
Q3. Is the Navratri 9-day colour sequence fixed?
A3. Colour traditions vary across regions and communities. The sequence provided here is widely followed but may change locally; follow the custom you observe in your family or community.
