Katyayani - Day 6 of Navaratri

BY Indu Arora3 min read • October 15, 2026

The moment we gather our scattered physical, mental, emotional, and pranic energy, it leads to the birth of a powerful insight.

The day of Ma Katyayani: Goddess of Courageous Power

Being the daughter of Rishi Katyayan, she is Katyayani, the one dressed in red. She holds a fierce and focused facial expression.

Ma Katyayani represents concentration. She is born from the sparks, which radiated from between the eyes of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The three Gods symbolize the Tri Gunas, and their seat is the center of eyebrows. The reason to consolidate their energies was to give birth to a shakti, which can put an end to the buffalo headed demon Mahishasura (symbol of tamas, inertia, laziness, dormancy, and sloth).

My Yoga Guru Shashi Khosla says, "Your concentration is your superpower. Don't forget that."

The moment we gather our scattered physical, mental, emotional, and pranic energy, it leads to the birth of a powerful insight. This is the birthing of Ma Katyayani within us. It can slay the most powerful demon of laziness, slumber, and lack of awareness. Yoga is one of the finest practices to build the fire and insight of discernment.

Practices to Invoke Ma Katyayani 

Asana: Pay attention to the many times the mind, breath, and emotions are scattered during asana. Consciously gather yourself at all possible levels of scatteredness.

Kriya: Practice Trataka (gazing at one point/flame/yantra/murti) to gather attention.

When life becomes clarity

Each moment becomes Dharana

The being becomes Sadhaka

The journey becomes Sadhana

Japa: Mentally recite the mantra "Om Dum Katyayani Mata Hreem Namaha"

Meditation: Meditate upon the Ajna Chakra—the third eye center of consciousness sensing the emptiness of fullness for as long as it lasts effortlessly.

Mudra: Achala Agni Mudra—the Mudra of eternal flame of concentration for as long as you can comfortably. From Mudra The Sacred Secret