Navratri Day 6: Maa Katyayani (कात्यायनी), Story, Mantra & Puja
27 September 2026 · World of Hindus
On day 6 of Navratri, the Shashthi tithi, devotees worship Maa Katyayani (माँ कात्यायनी), the sixth of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. In 2026 her day falls on Friday, 16 October 2026.
| Date | Friday, 16 October 2026 |
| Tithi | Ashwin Shukla Shashthi |
| Mantra | ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः (Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah) |
| Bhog | Honey |
| Chakra | Ajna (third eye) |
The story of Maa Katyayani
The sage Katyayan performed long penance hoping the goddess would be born as his daughter. When the demon Mahishasura grew too powerful for the gods, their combined anger took form as the goddess, and she appeared first in Katyayan’s ashram, so she is called Katyayani. It is in this form that she rode out and slew Mahishasura, which is why she is also called Mahishasuramardini.
The Bhagavata Purana adds a gentler story: the young gopis of Vrindavan kept a month-long vrat to Katyayani, praying for Krishna as their husband. To this day, young women pray to her for a good marriage.
Her form and what it means
She rides a lion and has four arms: two hold a sword and a lotus, and the other two are raised in the gestures of fearlessness and blessing. Her colour is a brilliant gold.
Day six is about righteous strength: standing up against injustice. Katyayani is also prayed to for marriage, especially by girls whose marriage is delayed.
Dhyana mantra
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥May the goddess Katyayani, slayer of demons, whose hand shines with the Chandrahas sword and who rides the noble lion, grant us what is good.
How to worship Maa Katyayani on day 6
- Bathe early, wear clean clothes, and sit before the kalash and the goddess’s picture.
- Offer water to the kalash, and fresh flowers, kumkum and akshat to the goddess.
- Light the diya (or tend the akhand jyoti) and incense.
- Offer her bhog: honey.
- Chant ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः 108 times, and recite the Durga Chalisa or a chapter of the Durga Saptashati.
- Sing the aarti “Jai Ambe Gauri” and share the prasad with your family.
The nine days
← Day 5: Maa Skandamata · Day 7: Maa Kalaratri →
See all nine days, the dates, Ghatasthapana and fasting rules in our Navratri 2026 guide.
Artwork: the goddess riding a lion, chromolithograph, Wellcome Collection, CC BY 4.0.
Frequently asked questions
What is the mantra for Maa Katyayani?
The short mantra is ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः (Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah), chanted 108 times on a mala during her puja on day 6 of Navratri.
Which goddess is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri?
Maa Katyayani, the warrior form who slew Mahishasura, is worshipped on Shashthi, the sixth day. In 2026 it falls on Friday, 16 October. In Bengal, the main Durga Puja celebrations begin on this day.
Why do unmarried girls worship Katyayani?
The gopis of Vrindavan kept a vrat to Katyayani to win Krishna as their husband, as told in the Bhagavata Purana. Girls chant the Katyayani mantra praying for a good husband.