Today Is The Sixth Day Of Navaratri: Here Is The Worship Procedure For Goddess Katyayani Today marks the sixth day of Navaratri, which is being observed through the worship and adoration of Goddess Katyayani. Since early this morning, crowds of devotees have gathered at temples dedicated to the Goddess.
In the Kathmandu Valley, people are lining up to offer prayers at various “Shaktipithas” (sacred sites of the Goddess), including Bhadrakali, Naxal, Maitidevi, Dakshinkali, and Guhyeshwari. Those who do not visit the temples perform their worship and rituals at their own “Dashain Ghar” (designated Dashain shrine) or home prayer rooms.
According to religious tradition, Goddess Katyayani descended to this world to prevent the obstacles and hindrances created by demons of a malevolent (asuric) nature during sacrificial rituals, acts of charity, and other virtuous or auspicious undertakings.
Worship method of Katyayani form
First, the “kalash” (sacred vessel) and the deities present within it must be worshipped. Next, the deities associated with the Goddess’s divine family should be worshipped. Following this, Goddess Katyayani is worshipped.
After beginning the worship ritual, one should hold a flower in one’s hand, offer salutations to the Goddess, and meditate upon the Goddess’s mantra. Following the worship of the Goddess, one should worship Mahadeva and the Supreme Father (Param Pita). Lord Hari should be worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi.
Katyayani’s Meditation Mantra
Vande desired Manorarthar Chandrarghakrit Shekram.
Singharudha Chaturbhuja Katyayani Yashaswanim ॥
SvarnaAjna Chakra Status Sixth Durga Trinetram.
Varabhit Karan Shagapadharan Katyayansutan Bhajami ॥
Patambar apparels smermukhi nalankar bhushitam.
Manjir, Har, Keur, Kinkini Ratnakundal Manditam.
Prasannavadana panvadharan kantakpola tung kucham.
Kamaniyan Lavanyan Trivalivibhushit the following Navhim ॥
Katyayani’s hymn text
Kanchanabha Varabhayam Padmadhara Muktojjavalan.
Smermukhi Shiva’s wife Katyaynesute namoastute.
Patambar dresses are decorated with various ornaments.
Simhastithan Padmahastan Katyayansute Namoastute ॥
Paramanvadamayi Devi ParaBrahma Paramatma.
Paramshakti, Parambhakti, Katyayansute namoastute.
The Form of Katyayani
Religious texts describe the form of Goddess Katyayani as exceptionally divine and radiant, resembling gold. She rides a lion. Of her four hands, one is positioned in the “Abhaya Mudra” (gesture of fearlessness) and another in the “Varada Mudra” (gesture of bestowing boons). In her remaining hands, she holds a sword and a lotus flower.