On Navaratri (Part X)

Today is the sixth day of Navaratri. This day belongs to Devi Katyayani. She was born at the house of Maharishi Katyayan. So, She is called Devi Katyayani. Delay in marriage, obstacles in getting married, problems in marriage, etc. are sorted out by this Devi.

A garland of Hibiscus flowers, rose flowers and bael leaves can be offered to her. Also, She has to be worshipped with fragrant flowers. Those people interested in marriage, but their fate does not permit it; can offer a garland made of turmeric sticks in red roli thread. The turmeric sticks should be as many as their age. They can also make a garland with as many lemons as their age to offer the Devi. If both these pariharas are done, even those, who have been written off as unmarriageable get married and their marriage is also successful.

6 bananas; 6 Gulab Jamuns; khichdi made from white and red pumpkin with rice, broken green gram, red chillis, black pepper, cloves and bay leaves and rice prepared with broken green gram, chana dal with jaggery can be offered as naivedyam.

This Devi resolves any doshas connected to the planets Jupiter and Venus. She has to be worshipped with yellow and white flowers (representing Jupiter and Venus respectively). We should worship Her wearing a yellow dress, sitting on a yellow aasana and chanting Durga Navarna Mantra, Katyayani Mantra and Beejakshara Mantras of Guru and Shukra.

Some South Indians find it difficult to keep Golu for even 6 days. Such people can keep Golu on the seventh day. But, they feel disappointed that they will have to work hard for just 3 days Golu. But, that need not be so. About 150 years back, in 50% of South Indian homes art took prominence. The Golu was kept for 5 weeks from the first day of Navaratri. If some people choose to follow this, should not dismantle the Golu on a Tuesday or a Friday. They have to adjust accordingly and prepare for Diwali.

Sundal naivedyam should be distributed only till Dussehra. Post that any dry prasadam can be offered. Lighting lamps and performing aartis should be continued till the Golu is dismantled.

To be continued…