Sixth Day Old Navaratri: Katyayni Devi

The Sixth Day is devoted to Mata Katyayni Devi, the Sixth Avatar of the Holy Goddess. This incarnation of the Divine Mother is said to have been born to the sage Katya. On this day, people observe a fast for the Mother known as the Sri Katyayni Vrat. This is categorically done by women as they believe that this will help them, get the most ideal husband. Other details about this incarnation can be found in the Matsya Puran, Agni Puran and Vamana Puran.

The Devi is said to be one of the most popular ones to have existed during the tenure of Lord Krishna. She was thoroughly worshipped and prayed by all the Gopis and Gopas who resided in Gokul. An idol of Katyayni Devi is made from clay and mud from the River Yamuna, worshipped and then subsequently dissolved in the river itself. This form of worshipping and eventual immersion is very famous in the Tamil Culture. The number of arms the Mother has is said to vary from four to eighteen, as stated in mythical folklore. All these have supposedly been presented to her by Trimurtis and the Devas. Some of the Hindu Scriptures have mentioned that she has the congregated powers of Shiva, Brahma and Mahesh. The colour of her body is said to be that of the Atasi Flower.

Her escort is the Sardula, a mythical animal regarded as the Mother of Tigers. Contrary to this, she has been shown on a Lion in some of the textures. She is said to wear subtle embellishments and a crown with a crescent moon stuck on it. Those who pray their hearts out are said to be the blessed ones receiving enormous peace, wealth, health and prosperity. The Mother is said to never turn a blind eye to her devotees.

Fifth Day of Navratri: Skandmata Devi

Day 5 of the Holy Navratri has a lot to offer. The Fifth Day of this auspicious and pious time is devoted to Skandmata Devi. Skandmata devi is considered to be the Mother and Chief Warrior of the Gods Army, the Skanda. She is considered to be the Goddess of Fire and is the Mother of Skanda, sired after a successful matrimonial alliance with Lord Shiva. Her portrait has been described as the Goddess with Three Eyes and Four Hands, at times seated on a Lotus and at times seated on a Lion. It is widely said that with the blessings of Mother Skandmata, even a moron can become the enlightened one blessed with all the worldly knowledge.

“Om Nityaya Namah” and “Om Hreeng Mahadurgaya Namah” are the two mantras chanted while remembering the Goddess. A lot of items are offered while paying homage to the Goddess such as fragrant flowers, fruits, gems and clothing. It is said that those who pray to the Divine Mother with all their hearts are those blessed ones whose dreams come true. The Mother is said to bless all her devotees praying with their hearts and souls with the wealth they need to lead a comfortable life.

The Puja starts in the wee hours of the morning with the portrait of the Goddess being decorated with good clothing and expensive embellishments. A diverse range of sweets are offered to her, along with other items and cash. The Priest starts off with his chants and people lose themselves in the quest to enlighten themselves by remembering the Mother who has the onus of taking care of millions of her loyal and faithful devotees. The day is for those devout worshippers believing blindly in the Mother and knowing that Good karma and the path of righteousness will do them well.

Fourth Navratri: Devoted to Kushmanda Devi

Fourth day of the Navratri begins with the chant, "Om Dukha Hantraya Namah". This chant is meant to please Kushmanda Devi, the fourth manifestation of the Divine Goddess. The Goddess is this incarnation is said to have Eight Arms, holding weapons and a mala. She is said to be seated on a Tiger and radiates as shiningly as the Sun.

White is the color meant to be worn on this day along with draping the Goddess with a cloth of the same color. This manifestation of the Divine Mother is said to annihilate sorrow of the mind and get rid of ego. She is said to possess divine powers through which the macro universe synchronizes with the micro universe and creates a lot of peace and tranquility around the person. She is the mother responsible for Birth and Rebirth.

The chant mentioned above is started off by priests at the crack of dawn along with all of those who start worshipping with them. Delicacies are prepared, which are first offered to the Mother and kept outside for crows and pigeons to come and feed on. Once that happens, then it is all open for people to take a certain portion of. The Prashaad, they say is a very noble way of ensuring that the person becomes an integral part of that festivity and is able to get into the realm of worship.

The Fourth Day of the Navratri marks the half way stage. It marks for an occasion where worshippers and devotees have been incessantly praying to the Divine Mother for the past four days with the hope that she would come and bless them with a lot of peace and happiness. Kushmanda Devi is said to bring in all these virtues and hence, is worshipped with all heart and soul on this day.