The invention provides a catalyst for catalytic direct decomposition of nitrogen oxides contained in exhaust gases wherein fuel is supplied and subjected to combustion under periodic rich/lean conditions and the resulting exhaust gases are brought into contact therewith, which catalyst comprises:(A) a first catalyst component comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of rhodium and palladium supported on zeolite;(B) a second catalyst component comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of(a) ceria,(b) praseodymium oxide, and(c) a mixture and/or a composite oxide of oxides of at least two elements selected from the group consisting of cerium, zirconium, praseodymium, neodymium, terbium, samarium, gadolinium and lanthanum; and(C) a third catalyst component comprising(a) at least one selected from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, palladium and oxides thereof, and(b) a carrier.