Kathmandu. On the sixth day of Durga Paksha i.e. Navratri, Goddess Katyayani is worshiped in the Dashain house or puja room.

There is a Vedic tradition of worshipping Goddess Katyayani every year on the sixth day of Ashwin Shukla Shashti i.e. Durga Paksha. Once upon a time, Goddess Bhagwati incarnated as a very beautiful Kumari in the ashram of Katyayana Rishi to perform the duties of the gods. Fascinated by her childish beauty, Katyayana Rishi accepted her as a daughter. Therefore, her name is mentioned in various mythological texts.

The idol of Katyayani is said to be a tiger bearer, a demon slayer, holding a sword in her hand, having a hair, wearing a hibiscus flower (a type of flower) and earrings in her ears, sitting on a donkey, naked, with big lips and rubbing oil on her body. Such a goddess is worshiped today.

On the first day of Navratri, on Sunday, October 25, a barley jamara was placed in the Dashain house or puja room according to the Vedic rituals. On the same day, at the place where Ghatasthapana was held, the first goddess of nine Durgas, Shailputri was invoked and worshiped methodically.

On the second day, Goddess Brahmacharini was invoked at the place of worship on Monday, while on the third day, Goddess Chandraghanta was worshiped with devotion. On the fourth day, Goddess Kushmanda was worshiped on Wednesday, and on the fifth day, Goddess Skandmata was worshiped on Friday.

On the sixth day of Navratri, Goddess Katyayani is worshipped in a ritualistic manner. On the nine days of Navratri, Durga Saptashati (Chandi), Shrimad Devi Bhagwat and Devi Stotra are also recited at the site of Ghatasthapana. There is a religious belief that worshipping the goddess on the occasion of Navratri will bring power, prosperity and knowledge. On this basis, the followers of Vedic Sanatan Dharma worship Goddess Durga every year from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami.

The prasad that is worshipped for nine days is applied in many parts of the country from Bijaya Dashami to Kojagrat Purnima. In some places, it is also customary to apply it only on the day of Bijaya Dashami according to the family tradition. Scripturally, there is a provision that Jamara Tika can be applied as the prasad of Goddess Durga throughout Durga Paksha i.e. till Kojagrat Purnima, says theologian Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai. In this way, Nepalese celebrate the Bada Dashain festival with great pomp for 15 days.

Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Dashain, Brahmacharini on the second day, Chandraghanta on the third day, Kushmanda on the fourth day, Skandmata on the fifth day, Katyayani on the sixth day, Kalratri on the seventh day, Mahagauri on the eighth day and Siddhidatri on the ninth day. These nine forms of Durga are also called Navdurga.

During Navratri, devotees throng the Shakti Peeths across the country to worship and pay obeisance. Devotees throng the temples of Guheshwori, Jayabageshwari, Maitidevi, Kalikasthan, Naxal Bhagwati, Bhadrakali, Shova Bhagwati, Raktakali, Shwetkali, Bijeswori, Kankeshwari, Kalankimai, Chamunda Devi, Sundari Mai, Bajrayogini, Indrayani and Baglamukhi among other temples in the Kathmandu Valley since early morning.

Likewise, Palanchok Bhagwati, Nala Bhagwati, Chandeshwori, Palchowk Bhagwati, Kamalamai, Ichchhakamana, Manakamana, Gadhimai, Chhinnamasta, Pathibhara, Dantakali, Gahwamai, Baglung Kalika, Bindhyabasini, Tal Barahi, Shaileshwori, Badimalika and Ugratara among other shrines outside the Kathmandu Valley have also been crowded with devotees.