परिचय
नवरात्रि के छठे दिन की पूजा माँ कात्यायनी को समर्पित है। वे देवी दुर्गा का उग्र रूप मानी जाती हैं। ऋषि कात्यायन के घर अवतार लेने के कारण इनका नाम कात्यायनी पड़ा। वे साहस, विजय और धर्म की रक्षक हैं।
कथा
असुर महिषासुर को वरदान प्राप्त था कि कोई पुरुष उसे नहीं मार सकता। उसके अत्याचार से त्रस्त देवताओं की ऊर्जा से एक तेजस्वी देवी प्रकट हुईं और ऋषि कात्यायन के घर जन्म लिया। यही देवी कात्यायनी कहलायीं।
वे सिंह पर सवार होकर महिषासुर का वध करती हैं। यह सत्य की असत्य पर विजय का प्रतीक है।
माँ कात्यायनी के चार हाथ हैं – एक में तलवार, एक में कमल और अन्य से वे भक्तों को आशीर्वाद देती हैं।
महत्व
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माँ कात्यायनी अधर्म और पाप का नाश करने वाली हैं।
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उनकी पूजा से साहस, बल और विजय प्राप्त होती है।
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इनका संबंध गुरु ग्रह (बृहस्पति) से है, जो ज्ञान और विवेक प्रदान करता है।
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अविवाहित कन्याएँ अच्छे पति की प्राप्ति के लिए इनकी पूजा करती हैं।
पूजा विधि
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इस दिन माँ को शहद, लाल फूल और धूप अर्पित करना शुभ माना जाता है।
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व्रत रखने और दुर्गा सप्तशती का पाठ करने से विशेष फल मिलता है।
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माँ के मंत्र का जप करने से मनोबल और आत्मविश्वास बढ़ता है।
मंत्र
“ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥”
Introduction to Maa Katyayani
Who is Maa Katyayani?
Maa Katyayani is the sixth form of Goddess Durga known as the Warrior Goddess. She emerged to slay the demon Mahishasura and is revered for her strength and courage.
Significance of Day 6
Day 6 of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani invoking her blessings for courage protection and the removal of obstacles.
Iconography of Skandamata
Maa Katyayani is depicted with four ten or eighteen hands holding a sword lotus
Mount and Appearance
Maa Katyayani rides a lion symbolizing power and courage. She is often shown with a radiant complexion and a fierce expression.
Connection to Lord Shiva
Maa Katyayani is considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and is associated with the planet Jupiter symbolizing wisdom and knowledge.
Mythological Significance
Origin Story of Katyayani
After the birth of Kartikeya Maa Parvati assumed the form of Skandamata to nurture and protect him.
Legends and Stories
Ancient scriptures narrate that worshipping Skandamata on Day 5 brings peace prosperity and spiritual growth.
Connection with Other Goddesses
Skandamata is linked to Parvati and Sati representing the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine.
Spiritual Benefits
Praying to Maa Skandamata enhances maternal instincts promotes peace in the home and blesses devotees with wisdom.
Why Worship Her Fifth
She is worshipped fifth to purify the heart and soul fostering love compassion and spiritual growth.
Puja Rituals and Practices
How to Perform Skandamata Puja
Begin with Kalash Sthapana offer yellow flowers incense and chant "ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः" to seek her blessings.
Offerings and Prasad
Yellow flowers fruits and sweets are offered as prasad during Skandamata Puja.
Time and Duration of Puja
Puja is performed in the morning preferably during Brahma Muhurat to maximize spiritual benefits.
Mantras and Chants
Chanting "ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः" or reading Skandamata Stotra invokes divine energy and blessings.
Fasting Guidelines
Devotees fast on Day 5 by consuming fruits milk and light vegetarian meals to honor Maa Skandamata.
Symbolism and Attributes
The Meaning of Skandamata
Skandamata symbolizes maternal love protection and the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine.
Weapons and Tools
Her four hands hold her son Kartikeya a lotus flower and make gestures of blessing and protection.
Yellow Color Significance
Yellow is the color of knowledge and learning worn by devotees to align with the goddess’s energy.
Connection to the Heart Chakra
Skandamata is associated with the Anahata chakra providing love compassion and emotional balance.
Spiritual Significance of Symbols
Every element in Skandamata’s iconography teaches love protection and the nurturing of the self.
Global Celebrations and Traditions
Navratri Practices Across India
Different states celebrate Day 5 with unique rituals songs and dances honoring Maa Skandamata.
International Observances
Navratri is celebrated worldwide in Indian communities with pujas cultural programs and devotion.
Community Events
Temples and community centers organize group prayers bhajans and aarti to honor Maa Skandamata.
Importance of Group Worship
Worshiping in groups amplifies energy devotion and spiritual merit.
Modern Adaptations
Many now celebrate digitally or online sharing rituals and devotional content to keep tradition alive.
Conclusion and Blessings
Blessings from Maa Skandamata
Seek her blessings for maternal love protection and the removal of obstacles in your life.
Daily Practice Recommendations
Begin your day with prayer meditation and offering gratitude to Maa Skandamata for guidance.
Spiritual Growth Tips
Focus on devotion self-discipline and purity to maximize the benefits of Navratri worship.
Incorporating Rituals into Life
Regular puja chanting mantras and meditation can bring peace stability and spiritual enlightenment.
Encouraging Devotion
Share the knowledge and devotion of Maa Skandamata with family and friends to enhance spiritual connection.
Maa Katyayani is the sixth form of Goddess Durga known as the Warrior Goddess. She emerged to slay the demon Mahishasura and is revered for her strength and courage.
Day 6 of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani invoking her blessings for courage protection and the removal of obstacles.
Maa Katyayani is depicted with four ten or eighteen hands holding a sword lotus
Maa Katyayani rides a lion symbolizing power and courage. She is often shown with a radiant complexion and a fierce expression.
Maa Katyayani is considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and is associated with the planet Jupiter symbolizing wisdom and knowledge.
After the birth of Kartikeya Maa Parvati assumed the form of Skandamata to nurture and protect him.
Ancient scriptures narrate that worshipping Skandamata on Day 5 brings peace prosperity and spiritual growth.
Skandamata is linked to Parvati and Sati representing the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine.
Praying to Maa Skandamata enhances maternal instincts promotes peace in the home and blesses devotees with wisdom.
She is worshipped fifth to purify the heart and soul fostering love compassion and spiritual growth.
Begin with Kalash Sthapana offer yellow flowers incense and chant "ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः" to seek her blessings.
Yellow flowers fruits and sweets are offered as prasad during Skandamata Puja.
Puja is performed in the morning preferably during Brahma Muhurat to maximize spiritual benefits.
Chanting "ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः" or reading Skandamata Stotra invokes divine energy and blessings.
Devotees fast on Day 5 by consuming fruits milk and light vegetarian meals to honor Maa Skandamata.
Skandamata symbolizes maternal love protection and the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine.
Her four hands hold her son Kartikeya a lotus flower and make gestures of blessing and protection.
Yellow is the color of knowledge and learning worn by devotees to align with the goddess’s energy.
Skandamata is associated with the Anahata chakra providing love compassion and emotional balance.
Every element in Skandamata’s iconography teaches love protection and the nurturing of the self.
Different states celebrate Day 5 with unique rituals songs and dances honoring Maa Skandamata.
Navratri is celebrated worldwide in Indian communities with pujas cultural programs and devotion.
Temples and community centers organize group prayers bhajans and aarti to honor Maa Skandamata.
Worshiping in groups amplifies energy devotion and spiritual merit.
Many now celebrate digitally or online sharing rituals and devotional content to keep tradition alive.
Seek her blessings for maternal love protection and the removal of obstacles in your life.
Begin your day with prayer meditation and offering gratitude to Maa Skandamata for guidance.
Focus on devotion self-discipline and purity to maximize the benefits of Navratri worship.
Regular puja chanting mantras and meditation can bring peace stability and spiritual enlightenment.
Share the knowledge and devotion of Maa Skandamata with family and friends to enhance spiritual connection.
