Navratri Day 6

Navratri Day 6

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Day six of Navratri marks an important day in transcending spiritual enlightenment and moving beyond the human/animal tendencies to have perceptions about self and the environment. The day brings crucial learning by defeating the inner demon and obtaining the power of intuition along with the discrimination of needs with wants.

Maa Katyayini is considered as the most powerful and fierce form of Maa Durga/Shakti/Parvati. It is a form that when ignited slays the evil thoughts and vanquishes the negative thoughts within.

This day is the celebration and acceptance of the victory of feminine power over evil. It is a testament for generations to realize the true power of feminine beauty and strength. Maa Katyayani embodies not only ferocity and strength but also compassion and wisdom, reminding us that the divine feminine is both nurturing and fierce. Her triumph over Mahishasura signifies the relentless spirit of women.

This day appears to be the complete opposite of the previous day, which celebrated the nurturing power of the mother—the true, selfless, and unconditional love she pours into her child. In contrast, today highlights the fierce form of the mother. This teaches us that a mother can embody both love and fierceness when it comes to protecting her children.

Quote for day 6

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“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.”

— Maya Angelou

Yes, if a mother can show unconditional love for her child, she can ignite her fierce form for the welfare of her child as well. Her love is not just a gentle breeze; it can transform into a tempest when her child’s safety is at stake. This duality teaches us that true strength lies in the ability to nurture with tenderness and protect with unwavering ferocity. A mother’s heart is a balance of compassion and fierce determination, embodying the powerful force of love that shapes and defends her children.

Love is important, but if it can’t do anything to save the person/soul for whom we care, is of no use, that won’t be love, that would be selfish greed. True unconditional love is the one that on the brink of death and life one would fight against death to save it.

Another way to put it would be “Kindness should not be a weakness in love: when the time comes, we need to put aside kindness, out of ignorance, and accept and try to erode the darkness residing within us.

Maa Katyayani

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Maa Katyayani, worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri, symbolizes the fierce energy needed to conquer internal demons, represented by Mahishasura. Her story highlights the transformative journey of self-awareness and inner battle against one’s own karmas. She is renowned in the form of Mahisasur Mardini (the killer of Mahisasur demon), which is her fierce form with 18 hands riding on a lion and defeating the demon king Mahisasur.

Mythological Story

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Maa Katyayani was born to sage Katyayan after his heartfelt prayers to the Trinity—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. As Mahishasura, a powerful demon, terrorized the heavens, the gods combined their energies to create a radiant goddess with 18 arms, destined to defeat him. Armed with divine weapons gifted by the gods, she engaged in a fierce battle and ultimately vanquished Mahishasura, earning the title Mahishasura Mardini.

• Shiva bestowed upon her a powerful trident

• Vishnu granted her the Sudarshan Chakra

• Brahma provided her with a water pot and a rosary

• Varuna gifted her a conch

• Agni gave her a dart

• Surya offered her a quiver

• Vaayu presented her with a bow

• Indra equipped her with a thunderbolt

• Kuber gave her a mace

• Kaal supplied her with a sword and shield

• Vishwa Karma offered a battle-axe

Known for her fierce demeanor and strength, Maa Katyayani represents the inner battle against our own darkness.

Mahisasur is a form of demon, which is a half buffalo and half demon. Mahishasur’s tyranny prompted the gods to create Ma Katyayani, who ultimately defeated him, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. His story highlights the internal battles one must face in the pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment. Mahishasur’s defeat during Navratri is celebrated as a reminder of overcoming personal demons and achieving self-realization.

• Mahishasur was born to the king of demons and a water buffalo, granting him the ability to change forms between a buffalo and a demon.

• He represents the darker aspects of human nature, including desires, greed, and ignorance.

• Mahishasur symbolizes the karmic burdens that individuals carry, illustrating how past actions manifest in various forms throughout life.

• His ability to shift forms reflects the illusions and ego-driven tendencies that can hinder spiritual progress.

• His defeat is celebrated with the intention of overcoming inner demon and achieving spiritual liberation.

Divine Qualities

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Maa Katyayani is a fierce and radiant goddess, symbolizing the transformative energy needed to conquer internal demons. She embodies strength, courage, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

• Eighteen Arms: Represent her immense power and multifaceted abilities, allowing her to engage in battle while also protecting and nurturing her devotees.

• Trident: A powerful weapon bestowed by Shiva, symbolizing her authority over the forces of creation, preservation, and destruction.

• Sudarshan Chakra: Gifted by Vishnu, it embodies her capacity to cut through ignorance and restore cosmic order.

• Mace: Signifies her strength and capability to defend righteousness, serving as a reminder of her protective nature.

• Bow and Arrow: Reflects her readiness to strike against evil, representing her fierce determination in the face of adversity.

• Water Pot (Kamandalu): Symbolizes nourishment and the sustenance of life, emphasizing her nurturing qualities.

• Conch: Represents the call to awaken consciousness and signifies purity and divine sound.

• Sword: Embodies the clarity of purpose and the ability to sever ties with negativity and illusion.

• Lion as Vehicle: Represents courage, power, and ferocity, highlighting her role as a fierce protector against darkness.

• Fierce Demeanor: Her powerful presence inspires devotion and respect, reflecting her dynamic energy and determination to uphold dharma.

• Compassionate Eyes: Despite her fierce nature, her gaze exudes love and protection, assuring her devotees of her unwavering support.

Her fierce energy serves as a reminder of the power that comes from within when facing challenges. She teaches the importance of detachment from material desires and ego, fostering spiritual liberation.

Mahishasur’s narrative ties to the Ajna Chakra, emphasizing the importance of awareness and intuition in confronting inner challenges

Ajana / Third Eye Chakra

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The sixth day of Navratri is linked to the invocation of the Third Eye Chakra also known as the Ajana Chakra.

The Third Eye Chakra, known as Ajna in Sanskrit, is the sixth chakra in the traditional chakra system. Located in the center of the forehead, it serves as the gateway to higher consciousness, intuition, and spiritual insight.

Ajana → to percieve, to know

The Third Eye is often associated with enlightenment and the ability to see beyond ordinary perception. It integrates our intellectual understanding with our intuitive wisdom, allowing for a deeper grasp of the universe and our place within it.

• It enables individuals to confront and overcome ignorance and illusions.

• Practitioners face their inner demons, represented by Mahishasur, the balance and development of this chakra enhances intuition, helping discern true needs from desires and animal instincts (greed, ego, pride, desires).

Maa Katyayani embodies the fierce clarity and strength needed to awaken and empower the third eye chakra. Her energy promotes self-awareness, urging us to confront our inner demons and illusions. By invoking her presence, we cultivate the courage to see the truth within ourselves, fostering deeper intuition and insight, essential for navigating the spiritual journey.

Lessons to learn

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• Understand the importance of recognizing and battling inner demons for spiritual growth.

• Cultivate intuition and discernment to differentiate between true needs and superficial desires.

• Acknowledge that spiritual enlightenment involves facing one’s darkness and past karmas.

Maa Katyayani Devi’s Pujan Mantras

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Let’s recite the shlokas dedicated to Maa Katyayani.

Mantra

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Mantra refers to a sacred utterance, a syllable, word, or phrase that is believed to hold spiritual potency. It is often repeated in meditation or prayer to invoke divine energies, focusing the mind and enhancing spiritual connection.

ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥

Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Mother Katyayini

Prarthana

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Prarthana means prayer, a heartfelt communication with the divine. It reflects one’s wishes, intentions, or gratitude and is a way to seek the presence and intervention of the divine in one’s life.

Shloka

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चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥

Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana।
Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini॥

Meaning

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Salutations to the goddess Katyayani, who has hands that shine brightly like the smile of the moon. She rides a great tiger, bestowing auspiciousness and blessings. O goddess, who is the slayer of demons, may you grant us your divine protection and grace.

Shloka wise word meaning

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चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥

Salutations to the goddess Katyayani, who has hands that shine brightly like the smile of the moon. She rides a great tiger, bestowing auspiciousness and blessings. O goddess, who is the slayer of demons, may you grant us your divine protection and grace.

• चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा (Chandrahāsojjvalakarā): With hands that shine brightly like the smile of the moon

  • चन्द्र (Chandra) - Moon

  • हास (Hāsa) - Smile

  • उज्ज्वल (Ujjvala) - Bright

  • करा (Karā) - Hands

• शार्दूलवरवाहना (Śārdūlavaravāhanā): Riding a great tiger

  • शार्दूल (Śārdūla) - Tiger

  • वर (Vara) - Best or great

  • वाहना (Vāhanā) - Carrier or vehicle

• कात्यायनी (Kātyāyanī) - Goddess Katyayani (a specific form of Durga).

• शुभं (Śubhaṁ) - Auspicious or good.

• दद्याद् (Dadyād) - May grant or bestow.

  • दद (Dada) - Give

  • याद् (Yād) - (Indicative of the verb form)

• देवी (Devī) - Goddess.

• दानवघातिनी (Dānavaghātinī): Slayer of Demons

  • दानव (Dānava) - Demons

  • घातिनी (Ghātinī) - Slayer or destroyer

Stuti

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Stuti is a hymn of praise that expresses devotion to a deity.

Shloka

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या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

Meaning

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Salutations to the Goddess who resides in all beings as Maa Katyayani. Salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her, and again, I bow in reverence.

Shloka wise word meaning

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या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Salutations to the Goddess who resides in all beings as Maa Katyayini. Salutations to her, salutations to her, salutations to her, and again, I bow in reverence.

• या (Yā): Who

  • Used to refer to a feminine divine presence.

• देवी (Devi): Goddess

  • Signifies a divine female entity.

• सर्वभूतेषु (Sarvabhūteṣu): In all beings

  • सर्व (Sarva): All

  • भूतेषु (Bhūteṣu): In creatures / beings / living entities.

• माँ (Mā): Mother

  • An affectionate and reverent term for the goddess.

• कात्यायनी (Kātyāyanī) - Goddess Katyayani (a specific form of Durga).

• रूपेण (Rūpeṇa): In the form

  • Indicates the manifestation or embodiment.

• संस्थिता (Saṁsthitā): Established / Residing

  • Suggests permanence or presence in that form.

• नमस्तस्यै (Namastasyai): Salutations to her

  • नमः (Namah): Salutation

  • तस्यै (Tasyai): To her

• नमो नमः (Namo Namaḥ): Salutations again, Acknowledgment and reverence.

  • नमो (Namo): I bow / Salutation

    • A humble acknowledgment.

  • नमः (Namah): Salutation / bowing down

    • Indicates respect and reverence.

Dhyana

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Dhyana refers to meditation or focused contemplation on a deity.

Shloka

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वन्दे वाञ्छित मनोरथार्थ चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहारूढा चतुर्भुजा कात्यायनी यशस्विनीम्॥ 1
स्वर्णवर्णा आज्ञाचक्र स्थिताम् षष्ठम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
वराभीत करां षगपदधरां कात्यायनसुतां भजामि॥ 2
पटाम्बर परिधानां स्मेरमुखी नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम्॥ 3
प्रसन्नवदना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां त्रिवलीविभूषित निम्न नाभिम्॥ 4

Vande Vanchhita Manorathartha Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Simharudha Chaturbhuja Katyayani Yashasvinim॥
Swarnavarna Ajnachakra Sthitam Shashthama Durga Trinetram।
Varabhita Karam Shagapadadharam Katyayanasutam Bhajami॥
Patambara Paridhanam Smeramukhi Nanalankara Bhushitam।
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala Manditam॥
Prasannavadana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham।
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Trivalivibhushita Nimna Nabhim॥

Meaning

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I bow to Goddess Katyayani, who fulfills desired wishes, adorned with a crescent moon on her head, mounted on a lion, and possessing four arms, she is renowned and glorious

I worship the sixth form of Maa Durga, who is golden in color, situated in the Ajna Chakra, with three eyes, holding a boon-bestowing hand, and having six different aspects

The Goddess is dressed in a silken garment, with a smiling face adorned with various ornaments, decorated with bangles, necklaces, armlets, anklets, and jeweled earrings

Her face is cheerful and her lips are like blooming flowers, with charming cheeks and a lovely bosom, she is filled with grace and beauty and has a low waist adorned with three folds.

Shloka wise word meaning

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वन्दे वाञ्छित मनोरथार्थ चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहारूढा चतुर्भुजा कात्यायनी यशस्विनीम्॥ 1

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Vande Vanchhita Manorathartha Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Simharudha Chaturbhuja Katyayani Yashasvinim॥**

I bow to the goddess Katyayani, who has a crown adorned with a half-moon and rides a lion. She is four-armed and is known for fulfilling desires. I salute her, the glorious and victorious one.

• वन्दे (Vande) - I worship, I salute

• वाञ्छित (Vanchita) - Desired, wished for

• मनोरथार्थ (Manorathārtha) - For the fulfillment of desires

• चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम् (Chandraradhakritashekharam) - Whose crown is adorned with a half-moon

  • चन्द्र (Chandra) - Moon

  • अर्ध (Ardha) - Half

  • कृत (Krita) - Made, created

  • शेखर (Shekhara) - Crown

• सिंहारूढा (Simharūḍhā) - Riding a lion

  • सिंह (Simha) - Lion

  • आरूढा (Ārūḍhā) - Seated, riding

• चतुर्भुजा (Chaturbhuja) - Four-armed

  • चतुर (Chatur) - Four

  • भुज (Bhuja) - Arm

• कात्यायनी (Kātyāyanī) - Goddess Katyayani

• यशस्विनीम् (Yashasvinīm) - Glorious, victorious

स्वर्णवर्णा आज्ञाचक्र स्थिताम् षष्ठम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
वराभीत करां षगपदधरां कात्यायनसुतां भजामि॥ 2

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Swarnavarna Ajnachakra Sthitam Shashthama Durga Trinetram।
Varabhita Karam Shagapadadharam Katyayanasutam Bhajami॥**

I worship the golden-colored Goddess Durga, who is established in the Ajna Chakra. She is the sixth form of Durga, three-eyed, and holds a boon-giving hand, symbolizing power with her conch and disc. She is the daughter of Katyayana.

• स्वर्णवर्णा (Svarṇavarṇā) - Golden-colored

  • स्वर्ण (Svarṇa) - Gold

  • वर्णा (Varṇā) - Color

• आज्ञाचक्र (Ājñācakra) - Situated in the Ajna Chakra (the third eye)

  • आज्ञा (Ājñā) - Command, authority

  • चक्र (Chakra) - Wheel, circle

• स्थिताम् (Sthitām) - Established, situated

• षष्ठम (Ṣaṣṭham) - Sixth (referring to the sixth form of Durga)

• दुर्गा (Durgā) - Goddess Durga

• त्रिनेत्राम् (Trinetram) - Three-eyed

  • त्रि (Tri) - Three

  • नेत्र (Netra) - Eye

• वराभीत करां (Varabhītakarām) - With a boon-giving hand

  • वर (Vara) - Boon, blessing

  • भीत (Bhīta) - Fearless

  • करां (Karām) - Hand

• षगपदधरां (Ṣaṅgapadadharām) - Holding a conch and a disc (typically refers to symbols of power)

  • षग (Ṣaṅga) - Conch

  • पद (Pada) - Foot, symbol

  • धरां (Dharām) - Holding

• कात्यायनसुतां (Kātyāyanasutām) - Daughter of Katyayana (another name for Goddess Durga)

  • कात्यायन (Kātyāyana) - Katyayana (a sage)

  • सुतां (Sutām) - Daughter

  • भजामि (Bhajāmi) - I worship

पटाम्बर परिधानां स्मेरमुखी नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम्॥ 3

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Patambara Paridhanam Smeramukhi Nanalankara Bhushitam।
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala Manditam॥**

I worship the goddess who is adorned in a yellow garment, with a smiling face and decorated with various ornaments. She is embellished with ankle bells, necklaces, armlets, jingling bells, and jewel earrings.

• पटाम्बर (Paṭāmbar) - Wearing a yellow garment

  • पट (Paṭa) - Cloth

  • अम्बर (Ambar) - Garment

• परिधानां (Paridhānām) - Wearing, adorned with

• स्मेरमुखी (Smeramukhī) - With a smiling face

  • स्मेर (Smera) - Smiling

  • मुखी (Mukhī) - Face

• नानालङ्कार (Nānālaṅkāra) - Adorned with various ornaments

  • नाना (Nānā) - Various

  • अलंकार (Alaṅkāra) - Ornaments, decorations

• भूषिताम् (Bhūṣitām) - Adorned, embellished

• मञ्जीर (Mañjīra) - With ankle bells

• हार (Hāra) - Necklace

• केयूर (Keyūra) - Armlets

• किङ्किणि (Kiṅkiṇi) - With jingling bells

• रत्नकुण्डल (Ratnakuṇḍala) - With jewel earrings

  • रत्न (Ratna) - Jewel

  • कुण्डल (Kuṇḍala) - Earring

• मण्डिताम् (Maṇḍitām) - Decorated, adorned

प्रसन्नवदना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां त्रिवलीविभूषित निम्न नाभिम्॥ 4

Prasannavadana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham।
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Trivalivibhushita Nimna Nabhim॥

I worship the goddess who has a pleasant face and blossoming lips, with charming cheeks. She is enchanting and graceful, adorned with threefold decorations and possessing a low navel.

• प्रसन्नवदना (Prasannavadanā) - With a pleasant face

  • प्रसन्न (Prasanna) - Cheerful, pleasing

  • वदना (Vadanā) - Face

• पल्लवाधरां (Pallavādharaṁ) - With blossoming (youthful) lips

  • पल्लव (Pallava) - Bud, blossom

  • आधरां (Ādharāṁ) - Having, possessing

• कान्त (Kānta) - Beautiful, charming

• कपोलाम् (Kapolām) - With lovely cheeks

  • कपोल (Kapola) - Cheek

• तुगम् (Tugam) - (Often used to denote) beautiful or charming features, possibly a typographical variation or poetic embellishment.

• कुचाम् (Kucām) - divine feminine, representing the embodiment of nurturing and life-giving qualities

• कमनीयां (Kamanīyāṁ) - Enchanting, beautiful

• लावण्यां (Lavaṇyāṁ) - Graceful, charming

• त्रिवलीविभूषित (Trivalīvibhūṣita) - Adorned with threefold (lines) or three bangles

  • त्रिवली (Trivalī) - Threefold, often referring to the appearance of three lines or decorations

  • विभूषित (Vibhūṣita) - Adorned

• निम्ननाभिम् (Nimnanābhiṁ) - With a low navel (often a sign of beauty in classical poetry)

  • निम्न (Nimna) - Low

  • नाभि (Nābhi) - Navel

Stotra

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Stotra is a hymn or a collection of verses that praises a deity. Stotras are recited to express devotion and gratitude, often invoking the qualities and powers of the divine to seek blessings and guidance.

Shloka

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कञ्चनाभां वराभयं पद्मधरा मुकटोज्जवलां।
स्मेरमुखी शिवपत्नी कात्यायनेसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥ 1
पटाम्बर परिधानां नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
सिंहस्थिताम् पद्महस्तां कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥ 2
परमानन्दमयी देवी परब्रह्म परमात्मा।
परमशक्ति, परमभक्ति, कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥ 3
विश्वकर्ती, विश्वभर्ती, विश्वहर्ती, विश्वप्रीता।
विश्वाचिन्ता, विश्वातीता कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥ 4
कां बीजा, कां जपानन्दकां बीज जप तोषिते।
कां कां बीज जपदासक्ताकां कां सन्तुता॥ 5
कांकारहर्षिणीकां धनदाधनमासना।
कां बीज जपकारिणीकां बीज तप मानसा॥ 6
कां कारिणी कां मन्त्रपूजिताकां बीज धारिणी।
कां कीं कूंकै क: ठ: छ: स्वाहारूपिणी॥ 7

Kanchanabha Varabhayam Padmadhara Mukatojjavalam।
Smeramukhi Shivapatni Katyayanesute Namoastute॥
Patambara Paridhanam Nanalankara Bhushitam।
Simhasthitam, Padmahastam Katyayanasute Namoastute॥
Paramanandamayi Devi Parabrahma Paramatma।
Paramashakti, Paramabhakti, Katyayanasute Namoastute॥
Vishwakarti, Vishwabharti, Vishwaharti, Vishwaprita।
Vishwachinta, Vishwatita Katyayanasute Namoastute॥
Kam Bija, Kam Japanandakam Bija Japa Toshite।
Kam Kam Bijam Japadasaktakam Kam Santuta॥
Kamkaraharshinikam Dhanadadhanamasana।
Kam Bija Japakarinikam Bija Tapa Manasa॥
Kam Karini Kam Mantrapujitakam Bija Dharini।
Kam Kim Kumkai Kah Thah Chah Swaharupini॥

Meaning

#

I bow to you, O Katyayani, daughter of Katyayana, with a golden complexion, holding a lotus, radiant with a crown, and with a smiling face, you are the consort of Shiva and the bestower of boons.

I bow to you, O daughter of Katyayana, dressed in a silken garment and adorned with various ornaments, seated on a lion, and holding a lotus in your hand.

I bow to you, O daughter of Katyayani, the goddess who is the embodiment of supreme bliss, the ultimate reality, the supreme spirit, the source of divine power and devotion.

I bow to you, O daughter of Katyayani, the creator of the universe, the sustainer of the world, the destroyer of obstacles, and beloved of all. You transcend all thoughts and time.

May the essence (Bijas) of your mantras, which grant bliss through repetition, bring satisfaction to those who chant them.

May the blissful essence bring wealth and prosperity, and may the meditation on your mantras grant fulfillment.

May the essence that embodies the mantras, be a source of power and grace, bringing about the desired results and blessings.

Shloka wise word meaning

#

1

**कञ्चनाभां वराभयं पद्मधरा मुकटोज्जवलां।
स्मेरमुखी शिवपत्नी कात्यायनेसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
**

Kanchanabha Varabhayam Padmadhara Mukatojjavalam।
Smeramukhi Shivapatni Katyayanesute Namoastute॥

I bow to the goddess who has a golden complexion, is fearless and bestows boons, holds a lotus, has a bright crown, and a smiling face. She is the wife of Shiva and the daughter of Katyayani.

• कञ्चनाभां (Kañcanābhāṁ) - Golden-complexioned

  • कञ्चन (Kaṁcana) - Gold

  • आभां (Ābhāṁ) - Glow, complexion

• वराभयं (Varabhayaṁ) - Fearless, bestowing boons

  • वरा (Varā) - Boon, blessing

  • भीयं (Bhayaṁ) - Fear (indicating the absence of fear)

• पद्मधरा (Padmadharā) - Holding a lotus

  • पद्म (Padma) - Lotus

  • धरā (Dharā) - One who holds

• मुकटोज्जवलां (Mukaṭojjvalāṁ) - With a bright crown

  • मुकट (Mukaṭa) - Crown

  • उज्जवलां (Ujjvalāṁ) - Bright, shining

• स्मेरमुखी (Smeramukhī) - With a smiling face

  • स्मेर (Smera) - Smiling

  • मुखी (Mukhī) - Face

• शिवपत्नी (Śivapatnī) - Wife of Shiva

  • शिव (Śiva) - Shiva (the deity)

  • पत्नी (Patnī) - Wife

• कात्यायनेसुते (Kātyāyanesute) - Daughter of Katyayani

  • कात्यायन (Kātyāyana) - Katyayani (a sage)

  • सुते (Sute) - Daughter

• नमोऽस्तुते (Namo’stute) - Salutations to you

  • नमः (Namaḥ) - Salutation, bow

  • अस्तुते (Astute) - To you

2

**पटाम्बर परिधानां नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
सिंहस्थिताम् पद्महस्तां कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
**

Patambara Paridhanam Nanalankara Bhushitam।
Simhasthitam, Padmahastam Katyayanasute Namoastute॥

• पटाम्बर (Paṭāmbar) - Wearing a yellow garment

  • पट (Paṭa) - Cloth

  • अम्बर (Ambar) - Garment

• परिधानां (Paridhānām) - Adorned, wearing

• नानालङ्कार (Nānālaṅkāra) - Adorned with various ornaments

  • नाना (Nānā) - Various

  • अलंकार (Alaṅkāra) - Ornaments, decorations

• भूषिताम् (Bhūṣitām) - Adorned, embellished

• सिंहस्थिताम् (Siṁhāsthitām) - Seated on a lion

  • सिंह (Siṁha) - Lion

  • स्थिताम् (Sthitām) - Seated, established

• पद्महस्तां (Padmahasatāṁ) - Holding a lotus

  • पद्म (Padma) - Lotus

  • हस्तां (Hastāṁ) - Hands

• कात्यायनसुते (Kātyāyanasute) - Daughter of Katyayani

  • कात्यायन (Kātyāyana) - Katyayani (a sage)

  • सुते (Sute) - Daughter

• नमोऽस्तुते (Namo’stute) - Salutations to you

  • नमः (Namaḥ) - Salutation, bow

  • अस्तुते (Astute) - To you

3

**परमानन्दमयी देवी परब्रह्म परमात्मा।
परमशक्ति, परमभक्ति, कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
**

Paramanandamayi Devi Parabrahma Paramatma।
Paramashakti, Paramabhakti, Katyayanasute Namoastute॥

I bow to the goddess who is adorned in a yellow garment, embellished with various ornaments, seated on a lion, holding a lotus in her hands. She is the daughter of Katyayan

• पटाम्बर (Paṭāmbar) - Wearing a yellow garment

  • पट (Paṭa) - Cloth

  • अम्बर (Ambar) - Garment

• परिधानां (Paridhānām) - Adorned, wearing

• नानालङ्कार (Nānālaṅkāra) - Adorned with various ornaments

  • नाना (Nānā) - Various

  • अलंकार (Alaṅkāra) - Ornaments, decorations

• भूषिताम् (Bhūṣitām) - Adorned, embellished

• सिंहस्थिताम् (Siṁhāsthitām) - Seated on a lion

  • सिंह (Siṁha) - Lion

  • स्थिताम् (Sthitām) - Seated, established

• पद्महस्तां (Padmahasatāṁ) - Holding a lotus

  • पद्म (Padma) - Lotus

  • हस्तां (Hastāṁ) - Hands

• कात्यायनसुते (Kātyāyanasute) - Daughter of Katyayani

  • कात्यायन (Kātyāyana) - Katyayani (a sage)

  • सुते (Sute) - Daughter

• नमोऽस्तुते (Namo’stute) - Salutations to you

  • नमः (Namaḥ) - Salutation, bow

  • अस्तुते (Astute) - To you

4

**विश्वकर्ती, विश्वभर्ती, विश्वहर्ती, विश्वप्रीता।
विश्वाचिन्ता, विश्वातीता कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
**

Vishwakarti, Vishwabharti, Vishwaharti, Vishwaprita।
Vishwachinta, Vishwatita Katyayanasute Namoastute॥

I bow to the goddess who is the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe; who is beloved by the universe; who contemplates the universe; and who transcends the universe. She is the daughter of Katyayani.

• विश्वकर्ती (Viśvakartī) - Creator of the universe

  • विश्व (Viśva) - Universe, all

  • कर्ती (Kartī) - Creator

• विश्वभर्ती (Viśvabhartī) - Sustainer of the universe

  • विश्व (Viśva) - Universe

  • भर्ती (Bhartī) - One who sustains

• विश्वहर्ती (Viśvahartī) - Destroyer of the universe

  • विश्व (Viśva) - Universe

  • हर्ती (Hartī) - One who destroys

• विश्वप्रीता (Viśvaprītā) - Beloved of the universe

  • विश्व (Viśva) - Universe

  • प्रीता (Prītā) - One who is loved

• विश्वाचिन्ता (Viśvācinṭā) - One who contemplates the universe

  • विश्व (Viśva) - Universe

  • आचिन्ता (Ācinṭā) - Contemplation

• विश्वातीता (Viśvāttītā) - Beyond the universe

  • विश्व (Viśva) - Universe

  • आतीता (Ātītā) - Beyond, transcending

• कात्यायनसुते (Kātyāyanasute) - Daughter of Katyayani

  • कात्यायन (Kātyāyana) - Katyayani (a sage)

  • सुते (Sute) - Daughter

• नमोऽस्तुते (Namo’stute) - Salutations to you

  • नमः (Namaḥ) - Salutation, bow

  • अस्तुते (Astute) - To you

5

**कां बीजा, कां जपानन्दकां बीज जप तोषिते।
कां कां बीज जपदासक्ताकां कां सन्तुता॥
**

Kam Bija, Kam Japanandakam Bija Japa Toshite।
Kam Kam Bijam Japadasaktakam Kam Santuta॥

Whoever worships the seed mantra will attain bliss and satisfaction. The devotes that chant the seed mantra should be content.

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• बीजा (Bījā) - Seed

• जपानन्दकां (Japānandakāṁ) - Whose mantra brings bliss

  • जप (Japa) - Chanting, mantra

  • आनन्द (Ānanda) - Bliss, happiness

  • कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• बीज (Bīja) - Seed

• जप (Japa) - Chanting, mantra

• तोषिते (Toṣite) - One who is pleased, satisfied

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• बीज (Bīja) - Seed

• जप (Japa) - Chanting, mantra

• दासक्ताकां (Dāsaktākāṁ) - One who is devoted to chanting

  • दासक्त (Dāsakta) - Devoted, attached

  • आं (Āṁ) - Whom

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• सन्तुता (Santutā) - One who is content, satisfied

6

**कांकारहर्षिणीकां धनदाधनमासना।
कां बीज जपकारिणीकां बीज तप मानसा॥
**

Kamkaraharshinikam Dhanadadhanamasana।
Kam Bija Japakarinikam Bija Tapa Manasa॥

The one who delights in actions and is seated on wealth and abundance. May I seek the one who performs the chanting of the seed mantra and practices mental austerity.

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• कारहर्षिणीकां (Kārahṛṣiṇīkāṁ) - Whose delight is in actions

  • कार (Kāra) - Action

  • हर्षिणी (Hṛṣiṇī) - Delightful, joyful

  • कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• धनदाधनमासना (Dhanadādhanaṁāsanā) - Seated on wealth and abundance

  • धन (Dhana) - Wealth

  • दा (Dā) - Giver

  • धन (Dhana) - Abundance

  • मासना (Māsanā) - Seated, residing

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• बीज (Bīja) - Seed

• जपकारिणीकां (Japakāriṇīkāṁ) - Whose chanting produces results

  • जप (Japa) - Chanting, mantra

  • कारिणी (Kāriṇī) - One who performs, does

  • कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• बीज (Bīja) - Seed

• तप (Tapa) - Austerity, penance

• मानसा (Mānasā) - With the mind, mentally

7

कां कारिणी कां मन्त्रपूजिताकां बीज धारिणी।
कां कीं कूंकै क: ठ: छ: स्वाहारूपिणी॥

Kam Karini Kam Mantrapujitakam Bija Dharini।
Kam Kim Kumkai Kah Thah Chah Swaharupini॥

Whom should I worship, the one who acts. Whom should I worship, the one who is revered through mantras. Whom should I call upon, the one who holds the seed mantra. Who is this, What is this, Whom do I call, Who is it, What is this form that embodies the essence of offerings?

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• कारिणी (Kāriṇī) - One who acts or performs

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• मन्त्रपूजिताकां (Mantrapūjitākāṁ) - Whose worship is through mantras

  • मन्त्र (Mantra) - Mantra, sacred sound

  • पूजिता (Pūjitā) - Worshipped

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• बीजधारिणी (Bījadhāriṇī) - One who holds the seed (mantra)

  • बीज (Bīja) - Seed

  • धारिणी (Dhāriṇī) - One who holds

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• कीं (Kīṁ) - What (often used to inquire)

• कूंकै (Kūṅkai) - Whom do I call (from “कूंकृत” which means to cry out)

• क: (Kaḥ) - Who

• ठ: (ṭhaḥ) - An exclamation (often indicating affirmation)

• छ: (Chaḥ) - Another exclamation, sometimes indicating transformation

• स्वाहारूपिणी (Svāharūpiṇī) - One who embodies the essence of offerings

  • स्वाहा (Svāhā) - An offering, often made in fire rituals

  • रूपिणी (Rūpiṇī) - One who embodies

Kavach

#

Kavach signifies a protective shield or armor. These verses are recited to invoke divine protection over the devotees, safeguarding them from negative influences and obstacles.

Shloka

#

कात्यायनौमुख पातु कां स्वाहास्वरूपिणी।
ललाटे विजया पातु मालिनी नित्य सुन्दरी॥
कल्याणी हृदयम् पातु जया भगमालिनी॥

Katyayanaumukha Patu Kam Swahaswarupini।
Lalate Vijaya Patu Malini Nitya Sundari॥
Kalyani Hridayam Patu Jaya Bhagamalini॥

Meaning

#

May the face of Goddess Katyayani protect me, May the form of Swaha (the personification of offerings) protect me.

May victory (Vijaya) protect my forehead. May the beautiful Malini (a form of the goddess) always protect me.

May the beautiful Malini (a form of the goddess) always protect me, May the goddess of victory (Jaya) and the goddess of auspiciousness (one with garlands) protect me.

Shloka wise word meaning

#

**कात्यायनौमुख पातु कां स्वाहास्वरूपिणी।
ललाटे विजया पातु मालिनी नित्य सुन्दरी॥
**

May the face of Katyayani protect me; may the one who embodies the essence of offerings protect me. May victory protect me on the forehead, and may the eternally beautiful one adorned with garlands also protect me.

• कात्यायनौमुख (KātyāyanauMukh) - May the face of Katyayani protect

  • कात्यायन (Kātyāyana) - Katyayani (a form of Goddess Durga)

  • उमुख (Umukh) - Face (or mouth)

• पातु (Pātu) - May protect

• कां (Kāṁ) - Whom

• स्वाहास्वरूपिणी (Svāhāsvarūpiṇī) - The one who embodies the essence of offerings

  • स्वाहा (Svāhā) - An offering, often made in fire rituals

  • स्वरूपिणी (Svarūpiṇī) - One who embodies

• ललाटे (Lalāṭe) - On the forehead

  • ललाट (Lalāṭa) - Forehead

• विजया (Vijayā) - May victory protect

  • विजय (Vijaya) - Victory

• पातु (Pātu) - May protect

• मालिनी (Mālinī) - The one adorned with garlands

  • मालिन (Māla) - Garland

• नित्य (Nitya) - Ever, eternal

• सुन्दरी (Sundarī) - Beautiful

कल्याणी हृदयम् पातु जया भगमालिनी॥

May the auspiciousness protect my heart; may victory and the one adorned with divine garlands protect me.

• कल्याणी (Kalyāṇī) - Auspicious, beneficial

• हृदयम् (Hṛdayam) - Heart

• पातु (Pātu) - May protect

• जया (Jayā) - Victory, triumph

• भगमालिनी (Bhagamālinī) - The one adorned with divine garlands

  • भग (Bhaga) - Divine, auspicious

  • मालिनी (Mālinī) - One who wears garlands

Conclusion

#

So, this wraps day 6, we have completed the initial and middle 3 days of Navratri, the only last 3 forms of Maa Durga are to be explored in this Navratri. From the sixth day, the message from Maa Katyayani Devi is to liberate oneself from false perceptions about him/her and to fight for righteousness. Kindness should not be a weakness in one’s love, is the best line I can write from this day.

In the upcoming days, we will explore more about each form of the goddess Shakti. We will delve into the powers and significance of each day in this festival.

Let’s enjoy the beautiful festival with the buzzing and divine energy around. Let’s remove negativity and spread positivity among us, and then the people around us. Let’s celebrate spiritual empowerment with a whole heart in the atmosphere buzzing with dance and music.

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References

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• Maa Katyayani Devi - Mantra, Prarthana, Stuti, Dhyana, Stotra, and Kavacha - DrikPanchang

• The nine Godesses of Navratri

• Maa Katyayani Devi - The goddess of Agna Chakra

• The Agana Chakra

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