Day 7 of Sharadiya Navratri 2026: How to Worship Goddess Kalratri, What Offerings and Mantras to Use

During the Sharadiya Navratri 2026 period, a ritual is established for worshipping the sixth aspect of Goddess Durga, known as Maa Katyayani. The name Goddess Katyayani was received because she is the daughter of Maharshi Katyayana. There is a belief that by sincerely observing the rituals and rules of worshiping Maa Katyayani on this day, all misfortunes of the devotees disappear, and they are granted happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Who is Maa Katyayani?

Maa Katyayani has four arms, adorned with weapons and lotuses. Her vehicle is a lion. She is considered the patroness of the Brahmadal region. According to legends, shepherds from Braad used the worship of Maa Katyayani in the hope of finding Lord Krishna as a spouse. This is why the worship of Maa Katyayani is especially valued for fulfilling wishes related to marriage.

Devotees believe that through her grace, obstacles in marriage can be overcome, and the desire to meet a desired life partner can be fulfilled. In astrological representations, Maa Katyayani is also associated with the planet Jupiter.

Ritual of Worshipping Maa Katyayani

First, one should meditate on the goddess while holding flowers. Then, worship is performed using the Panchopachara method, offering red flowers, akshat, kumkum, and sindoor to the goddess. During the worship of Maa Katyayani, great importance is given to yellow items; therefore, yellow fruits and sweet dishes should be offered to her. To conclude the ritual, a lamp made of ghee or sandalwood is lit before the goddess, after which aarti is recited. After this, the mantras of Maa Katyayani should be repeated with reverence.

Mantra of Maa Katyayani

On the third day of Navratri 2026, which falls on October 13th, worship will be performed to the image of Mother Durga Chandraganta. This name is given to her because of the crescent moon adorning her forehead. Her ten arms are adorned with various weapons. According to beliefs, worshipping Mother Chandraganta promotes courage, self-confidence, and fearlessness. This form of the goddess is considered a symbol of strength and gentleness, inspiring the overcoming of fears and strengthening the spirit.

In astrology, Mother Chandraganta is associated with the planet Mars. Her worship brings great benefit in cases of weak Mars or the presence of Mangal Dosha (Martial affliction).

On the third day of Navratri, it is necessary to take a morning shower and wear clean clothes. It is recommended to wear red garments and observe a vow of fasting and worship. To begin the worship, one should offer red flowers, red sandalwood, and a red shawl to the goddess. After this, one must sincerely worship the goddess and chant mantras. Traditionally, milk or milk-based sweets are offered to Goddess Chandraganta. After completing the ritual, the prasad should be accepted and distributed among family members. Worship performed with devotion and piety is considered a path to receiving the goddess's grace.

According to astrological beliefs, worshipping Mother Chandraganta is considered auspicious if Mars is weak or Mangal Dosha is present in the natal chart. On this day, one can wear red clothing and offer red flowers, as well as a copper coin or any copper object to the goddess. There is also a tradition of offering halwa or nuts to the goddess. After this, one should recite the goddess's mantra, followed by repeating the Mars mantra: 'Om Am Angarakai Namah.'

According to the history described in the Devi Purana, a major battle once took place between the gods and the demon king Mahishasura. In this battle, the gods were defeated, and Mahishasura seized the throne of Indra, establishing his dominion over the universe. At a critical moment, Indra and the other gods had to seek help from Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Moved by their plight, the Trimurti channeled powerful energy that manifested as a majestic goddess. She had ten arms, which were subsequently adorned with divine weapons from various gods, including Shiva's trishula, Vishnu's chakra, and weapons of other deities. Indra himself gifted her his Vajra. The Sun god bestowed upon her his radiant rays, a gleaming sword, and a fierce lion. Armed with these divine gifts, the goddess destroyed Mahishasura and his army. The demon king and his lineage were annihilated, and Goddess Chandraganta freed the gods from fear with her indomitable strength.