Devi Navaratri — worship across the nine days
Navaratri Day 6 — Katyayani
Reviewed and updated: 24 September 2026
The form and its meaning
Katyayani is the sixth Navadurga form, associated in tradition with sage Katyayana. Devotees worship Devi as the power that protects dharma and pray for courage, devotion and restraint.
The Devi Kavacha lists the nine Durga names from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri. This series follows that Navadurga worship sequence. Regional temple alankaras, including the Telugu traditions of Balatripurasundari, Annapurna, Lalita and Mahalakshmi, have their own schedules. They need not match this sequence.
When is this worship observed?
Sharad Navaratri begins on Shukla Pratipada of Nija Ashwin; Vasanta Navaratri begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. The day number here identifies the Navadurga sequence. A repeated or omitted sunrise tithi can change its relationship to consecutive civil dates. Consult the calendar for your location and the observance rules of your tradition.
See festival dates for your location
What to remember on this day
The texts describe awakening Devi in a bilva branch on Shashthi evening, followed by bringing the branch in on Saptami morning. This is a particular Durga-puja practice, not a compulsory extra rite in every household Navaratri.
A simple home puja
- Prepare a clean worship space and adorn the image according to family custom. An established Navaratri kalasha does not need to be installed afresh each day.
- Light the lamp, remember the form of Devi being worshipped and state your intention.
- Offer fragrance, flowers, incense, light and suitable naivedya according to your practice. A particular daily clothing colour or food is not a universal requirement.
- Recite the name or a familiar Devi hymn. Formal Chandi recitation and homa follow their own prescribed procedures.
- Conclude with arati, salutations and a prayer for forgiveness, then share the prasada.
A simple salutation
ॐ देव्यै कात्यायन्यै नमः।
This salutation uses the name of Devi. It is not a substitute for initiation where a particular mantra practice requires it.
Fasting and family practice
Worship of Devi is central to Navaratri. Fasting, one meal or a night meal depend on the vow, capacity and family practice. This guide does not prescribe a waterless fast for everyone. Decide parana through the applicable tithi and family rules, rather than the day number alone.
Sources
Devi Kavacha verses 3–5 establish the nine-name sequence. The Ashwin sections of Dharmasindhu and Nirnayasindhu inform the observance distinctions. Descriptions of the forms summarize familiar worship traditions; they are not all contained in those three Kavacha verses.
