ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Goddess Katyayani
Origin
To destroy demon Mahishasura, Goddess Parvati took the form of Goddess Katyayani. It was the most violent form of Goddess Parvati. In this form Goddess Parvati is also known as Warrior Goddess.
Navratri Worship
Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri.
Governing Planet
It is believed that the planet Brihaspati is governed by Goddess Katyayani.
Iconography
Goddess Katyayani rides on the magnificent lion and depicted with four hands. Goddess Katyayani carries lotus flower and sword in her left hands and keeps her right hands in Abhaya and Varada Mudras.
Details
According to religious texts Goddess Parvati was born at the home of sage Katya and due to which this form of Goddess Parvati is known as Katyayani.
Devanagari Name
कात्यायनी
Favourite Flower
Red color flowers specially rose
Mantra
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥
Prarthana
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥
Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana।
Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini॥
Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Dhyana
वन्दे वाञ्छित मनोरथार्थ चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहारूढा चतुर्भुजा कात्यायनी यशस्विनीम्॥
स्वर्णवर्णा आज्ञाचक्र स्थिताम् षष्ठम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
वराभीत करां षगपदधरां कात्यायनसुतां भजामि॥
पटाम्बर परिधानां स्मेरमुखी नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम्॥
प्रसन्नवदना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां त्रिवलीविभूषित निम्न नाभिम्॥
Vande Vanchhita Manorathartha Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Simharudha Chaturbhuja Katyayani Yashasvinim॥
Swarnavarna Ajnachakra Sthitam Shashthama Durga Trinetram।
Varabhita Karam Shagapadadharam Katyayanasutam Bhajami॥
Patambara Paridhanam Smeramukhi Nanalankara Bhushitam।
Manjira, Hara, Keyura, Kinkini, Ratnakundala Manditam॥
Prasannavadana Pallavadharam Kanta Kapolam Tugam Kucham।
Kamaniyam Lavanyam Trivalivibhushita Nimna Nabhim॥
Stotra
कञ्चनाभां वराभयं पद्मधरा मुकटोज्जवलां।
स्मेरमुखी शिवपत्नी कात्यायनेसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
पटाम्बर परिधानां नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
सिंहस्थिताम् पद्महस्तां कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
परमानन्दमयी देवी परब्रह्म परमात्मा।
परमशक्ति, परमभक्ति, कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
विश्वकर्ती, विश्वभर्ती, विश्वहर्ती, विश्वप्रीता।
विश्वाचिन्ता, विश्वातीता कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
कां बीजा, कां जपानन्दकां बीज जप तोषिते।
कां कां बीज जपदासक्ताकां कां सन्तुता॥
कांकारहर्षिणीकां धनदाधनमासना।
कां बीज जपकारिणीकां बीज तप मानसा॥
कां कारिणी कां मन्त्रपूजिताकां बीज धारिणी।
कां कीं कूंकै क: ठ: छ: स्वाहारूपिणी॥
Kanchanabha Varabhayam Padmadhara Mukatojjavalam।
Smeramukhi Shivapatni Katyayanesute Namoastute॥
Patambara Paridhanam Nanalankara Bhushitam।
Simhasthitam, Padmahastam Katyayanasute Namoastute॥
Paramanandamayi Devi Parabrahma Paramatma।
Paramashakti, Paramabhakti, Katyayanasute Namoastute॥
Vishwakarti, Vishwabharti, Vishwaharti, Vishwaprita।
Vishwachinta, Vishwatita Katyayanasute Namoastute॥
Kam Bija, Kam Japanandakam Bija Japa Toshite।
Kam Kam Bijam Japadasaktakam Kam Santuta॥
Kamkaraharshinikam Dhanadadhanamasana।
Kam Bija Japakarinikam Bija Tapa Manasa॥
Kam Karini Kam Mantrapujitakam Bija Dharini।
Kam Kim Kumkai Kah Thah Chah Swaharupini॥
Kavacha
कात्यायनौमुख पातु कां स्वाहास्वरूपिणी।
ललाटे विजया पातु मालिनी नित्य सुन्दरी॥
कल्याणी हृदयम् पातु जया भगमालिनी॥
Katyayanaumukha Patu Kam Swahaswarupini।
Lalate Vijaya Patu Malini Nitya Sundari॥
Kalyani Hridayam Patu Jaya Bhagamalini॥
Aarti
जय जय अम्बे जय कात्यायनी। जय जग माता जग की महारानी॥
बैजनाथ स्थान तुम्हारा। वहावर दाती नाम पुकारा॥
कई नाम है कई धाम है। यह स्थान भी तो सुखधाम है॥
हर मन्दिर में ज्योत तुम्हारी। कही योगेश्वरी महिमा न्यारी॥
हर जगह उत्सव होते रहते। हर मन्दिर में भगत है कहते॥
कत्यानी रक्षक काया की। ग्रंथि काटे मोह माया की॥
झूठे मोह से छुडाने वाली। अपना नाम जपाने वाली॥
बृहस्पतिवार को पूजा करिए। ध्यान कात्यानी का धरिये॥
हर संकट को दूर करेगी। भंडारे भरपूर करेगी॥
जो भी माँ को भक्त पुकारे। कात्यायनी सब कष्ट निवारे॥
Who is Katyayani?
Katyayani is one among the Navadurgas, the nine forms of the Goddess Durga. Katyayani is a fierce manifestation of Shakti, the divine female power. The term Durga means ‘the invincible’, and Katyayani, the warrior Goddess, remains as one. Regarded as the sixth of Durga’s nine forms, she is worshipped on the sixth day of the Navratri festival.
What is the legend associated with Goddess Katyayani?
Legends regard her as the daughter of sage Katyayana, who was born in the Katya dynasty that originated from the great rishi Vishwamitra. Hence her name became Katyayani, the daughter of Katyayana. However, other texts believe that she was first worshipped by sage Katyayana, and that is the reason for her name.
Vamana Purana gives a detailed account of Katyayani’s incarnation and heroic feats. Once a number of demons performed penance for pleasing the Gods and obtaining boons. Mahishasura was chief among them. He had the face of a buffalo and already possessed tremendous strength. He did severe penance towards Lord Brahma, and got from him various boons, which made him almost unconquerable. The most important of the boons that he obtained assured him that, if at all he was killed, that can only be by a woman. Thus fully armed with many blessings and well protected by boons, he went on the rampage and played havoc on heaven and earth, committing unspeakable atrocities against the Devas and human beings. The ultimate Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva decided to put an end to his wrongdoings, and together emitted a massive flame, from which emerged Devi Katyayani, with the brilliance of innumerable Suns. With three eyes, eighteen arms and a flowing black hair, she was resplendent. While the heavenly beings bowed to her, the Gods armed her fully with powerful weapons like trident, discus, conch, dart, sword and shield, bow and arrows, thunderbolt, mace and battle axe, and also with a rosary and water pot. The Goddess then proceeded straight on her lion mount, along with her army, to take on Mahishasura.
However bowled over by her dazzling beauty, the demon, instead of engaging her in a battle, simply asked for her hand. But the Goddess smiled and told him to win over her first. Then they fought a terrible war, at the end of which, the Goddess defeated the demon comprehensively and cut off his head with her sword. The grateful world celebrated Devi Katyayani’s great victory and hailed this slayer of Mahishasura, as Mahishasuramardhini.
As per another story, Katyayani accompanied Goddess MahaLakshmi to the present day Kolhapur town, to fight demons like Kolhasur and Rakthabeej. The latter had the power by which, every drop of his blood that spilled on earth gave rise to a new demon, and it was becoming a difficult battle for the divine forces. Katyayani began swallowing Rakthabeej’s blood spills completely, and then, the demons could be destroyed. This exploit of the Goddess is commemorated in a temple for Katyayani near Kolhapur.
How is Goddess Katyayani worshipped?
Katyayani – Goddess
The most important temple for Maa Katyayani is located in Bakor village in the Mahisagar district of Gujarat. This is a magnificent temple complex built mainly of marbles, and people irrespective of their castes and religious beliefs come here for worshipping the mother Goddess.
There is also a special worship or Maa Katyayani Pooja for the Goddess, which Bhagavatha Purana speaks highly about. Known as Katyayani Vrata, this is a unique worship which was undertaken by the maiden of Braj Bhoomi, the land of Krishna in UP, during the Hindu winter month of Margashirsha (Margazhi in Tamil, equivalent to Mid-December to Mid-January), for attaining Krishna himself as their husband. Observing strict austerities including full or partial fasting daily, throughout the month, they used to worship the earthen idols of the Katyayani Devi. Many young girls still observe this worship for getting good husbands.
The virgin Goddess Kanyakumari enshrined at the southern-most tip of our country, is regarded as an incarnation of Katyayani. In the present days too, young girls observe austerities and offer worship to this Goddess during the Margazhi month praying for good rains, prosperity and welfare, and conclude it on the day of Makar Sankranti-Pongal festival.
To Participate
The sacred scriptures prescribe fire ceremony, Abishekam (hydration ceremony), Pooja/Archana (Light and Sound ceremony), Yantra and Mantra (special sounds) as the ways to offer your prayer to the divine. Out of these, fire ceremony is the most evolved spiritual technology on earth to connect with the divine beings. Participate in the remedial services to clear your karma and receive the blessings.
Katyayani Pooja
Durga Pooja helps invite Goddess Shakti into your life to get rid of hitches, promote longevity & lead a happy and contented life.
Katyayani Fire Lab
This Fire Lab invokes Goddess Durga, fierce form of Parvati to nullify negativities, overcome depression & enjoy trouble-free life.
Katyayani Yantra
This Yantra radiates the unflinching energy of Durga to overcome your struggles & enemies and bring you in the limelight.
Navratri (Day 6) – The Story of Maa Katyayani
The festival of “Nine Nights” is upon us and the preparations are in full swing. Navratri is indeed one of the most popular festivals of India and holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees.
Every year, Navratri is celebrated all over the country with great excitement. Many states celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, while other north-eastern states worship the nine forms or avatarsof Goddess Durga.
Navratri begins with the worship of Maa Shailaputri and is followed by the worship of other avatars like Maa Bramhacharini, Maa Chandraghanta and Maa Skandmata. Each of these avatars signifies different qualities of Goddess Durga such as affection, love, compassion and wisdom.
Worship of Maa Katyayani
The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Katyayani and signifies cheerfulness and joy. Believed to be the destroyer of all evil, she is seen as a warrior goddess who was able to bring peace to the world.
Maa Katyayani is one of the fiercest forms of Goddess Durga. She is also known as Mahishasurmardini (Killer of Mahishasura), as she was able to defeat and kill the evil demon Mahishasura.
History and Origin
It is told that long ago there was a sage by the name of Katyayana. He was a huge devotee of Goddess Shakti and spent days and nights in prayer. Sage Katyayana always wished for Goddess Shakti be born as his daughter.
During this period, an evil demon named Mahishasura was creating great trouble for the Gods. As the days went by, he gained more power and the Gods were increasingly worried about him. They prayed to Goddess Shakti and asked her to save them from the wrath of Mahishasura.
Goddess Shakti decided to take birth on Earth and end the reign of Mahishasura. She granted the wish of Sage Katyayana and was born on Earth as his daughter. She grew up to be a strong, beautiful fighter and came to be known as Katyayani, the daughter of Katyayana.
One day, two messengers of Mahishasura – Chandha and Mundha – saw Katyayani and were mesmerized by her beauty. They went back to their master and told him all about Katyayani Upon hearing this, Mahishasura got very happy and immediately asked another of his messenger – Dundubhi – to go and talk to Katyayani.
Dundubhi met Katyayani and told her all about Mahishasura. He told her about his greatness and boasted about how Mahishasura was the now the ruler of all three worlds. He told Katyayani that she should marry Mahishasura as they would make a great couple.
Katyayani smiled and told Dundubhi that according to her family tradition, Mahishasura must first defeat her in battle. Only then can they both get married. Dundubhi went back to Mahishaura and told him about this challenge. Mahishasura agreed and soon the preparations began.
A fierce battle took place between Katyayani and Mahishasura. She managed to defeat his demon soldiers and even killed most of them. When Katyayani and Mahishasura came face to face, he transformed himself into a buffalo. This proved to be a real challenge for Katyayani as she struggled to fight him.
However, Katyayani tricked Mahishasura and climbed onto his back. He was surprised by this move and tried very hard to shake her off, but failed. Katyayani then placed her foot on the back of Mahishasura’s neck, pierced him with her Trishul (trident) and cut his head off.
This is how Maa Katyayani killed the evil and powerful demon Mahishasura. In doing so, she saved the Gods from his menace and brought peace back into this world.
Goddess of the Sixth Day of Navratri
Since, Maa Katyayani defeated and killed Mahishasura, she is also known as Mahishasurmardini. In many parts of India, unmarried girls often observe fasts and pray to Maa Katyayani in order to get a loving and caring husband.
She is an incarnation of Goddess Durga and is depicted as having four hands. She holds a lotus in two hands, a sword in one and blesses her devotees with the fourth hand. It is believed that she protects her devotees from all kinds of evil and blesses them with happiness and joy.
Goddess Katyayani | Why Worship Goddess Katyayani | Who is Goddess Katyayani | Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani or Maa Katyayani is the 6th form of Nav Durga and is worshipped on the 6th day of Navaratri Puja or Durga Puja. She is represented with four arms where her upper left-hand holds the sword and upper right hand is in Abhaya Mudra. The lower left hand of Mata Katyayani represents lotus-flower and the lower right hand is in Varmudra. Goddess often appeared with pink saree and wearing white rosary on her neck. Sadhaka who worships Mata Katyayani with devotion and faith can easily reach all the four objects which are Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. She is one of the forms of Goddess Durga, the Hindu goddess of power, courage, and strength. She is worshiped during the Navratri festival, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Legend of Goddess Katyayani
One there was a renowned sage named Maharishi Kat. The son of Maharshi Kat was Rishi Katya was and under clan of Katya, a prominent rishi was born named Katyayan. Rishi Katyayan was a great devotee of Devi Durga or Maa Bhagwati. He performed eras of hard penance to please her. When Maa Durga was pleased by his devotion, he asked the goddess to take birth as his daughter. Mata accepted and blessed him with his wish.
Devi Bhagwati (Durga) was born at the home of Rishi Katyayan as his daughter. As she was the daughter of Rishi Katya, therefore she became prominent with name Katyayini. When the tyranny of demon king Mahisasur crossed the limit all the deities including Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) requested Devi Durga to kill Mahishashur. Goddess Katyayani who is the manifestation of Durga took this horn on her shoulder and destroyed devils.
Associated Chakra with Goddess Katyayani
She rules Ajna chakra which is also called sixth chakra or third eye chakra and its original Sanskrit name is Ajna. Basically, the meaning of Ajna is perception, become aware of and control. The Ajna chakra is associated with the power of thought, psychism, imagination, clairvoyance, seeing on all levels & intuition. One can also worship Mata Katyayani for the destruction of sins accumulated in the previous lives sins. Katyayani Maha Puja is also conducted for early marriage or delayed marriage and to find a suitable husband for marriage.
Origin of Goddess Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani is believed to have emerged from the wrath of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, there was a sage named Katya who had performed a great penance to attain a daughter. His daughter, Katyayani, was born from the collective energy of the gods to defeat the demon, Mahishasura.
Mythology of Goddess Katyayani
The mythology of Goddess Katyayani is an interesting one. It is believed that Mahishasura, a powerful demon, had obtained a boon from Lord Brahma that he could not be defeated by any man. With this boon, Mahishasura became unstoppable and started tormenting the gods and their followers. The gods, who were helpless against Mahishasura, sought the help of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Goddess Parvati then took on the form of Katyayani to defeat Mahishasura. She mounted a lion, which symbolizes power and courage, and went to battle against the demon.
After a fierce battle, Goddess Katyayani was able to kill Mahishasura, bringing peace and prosperity to the world. This victory is celebrated during the Navratri festival, which is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
Significance of Goddess Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani is considered to be a powerful and fierce goddess. She is worshipped for her strength, courage, and ability to overcome obstacles. Her devotees pray to her to remove any obstacles in their lives and to give them the strength to face any challenges that come their way. In addition, she is also believed to bring peace and prosperity to the world. Her victory over Mahishasura symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and serves as a reminder that even the most powerful forces of darkness can be defeated by the forces of light.
How to Worship Goddess Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani is worshipped during the Navratri festival, which is celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September-October) and Chaitra (March-April) of the Hindu calendar. During this festival, devotees fast and offer prayers to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. To worship Goddess Katyayani, devotees can recite the Katyayani Mantra, which is believed to bring blessings and protection from the goddess. The mantra is as follows:
“Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah”
Devotees can also offer flowers, sweets, and other offerings to the goddess. It is believed that by doing so, they can receive the blessings of the goddess and overcome any obstacles in their lives.
Importance of Goddess Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani is a powerful and fierce goddess who is worshipped during the Navratri festival. Her victory over Mahishasura symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and serves as a reminder that even the most powerful forces of darkness can be defeated by the forces of light. Her devotees pray to her for strength, courage, and the ability to overcome obstacles. By offering prayers and offerings to her, they believe that they can receive her blessings and protection. The mythology of Goddess Katyayani is a fascinating one, and her significance in Hindu mythology is undeniable.
Associated Chakra Planet & Products
If Goddess Katyayani is worshipped along with the following items, the power of Puja increases manifolds times more. If you buy any of these items, we shall energize that item during your puja so that these will give you very good results. We will energize and also do Abhimantra of that item.
Chakra – Agya , Mooladhara & Sahashara Chakra is balanced by performing Goddess Katyayani puja. Chakra is seven centers of religious energy in the human body. Chakras are the circular vortexes of power that are situated in seven different points on the spinal column, and all the seven chakras are related to the different organs and glands within the body. These chakras are responsible for disturbing life energy.
Planet – Saturn (Shani), Mars (Mangal) & Rahu are associated with Goddess Katyayani. According to the Vedic astrology, all the nine planets in your horoscope (Kundali) affect the course of life i.e. marriage, career, health, finances etc. The movement of these planets in the horoscope forms yogas or doshas (negative influences). Due to these Navagraha doshas, people face various obstacles & hindrances in their life. In order to minimize and negate the malefic doshas or malefic influence of these planets, we perform various Pujas & Yagnas.
Shaligram – Navdurga Shaligram can be worshipped along with Goddess Katyayani Puja & Yagna and it gives very good results. The Shaligram is a natural stone that is Lord Vishnu itself. Shaligram is a Blackstone brought from Gandaki river-beds in the Muktinath area of Nepal. Shalagram Shila is also known as Salagram/ Shalagram/ Saligram Sila. Shaligram worshipped in the temple as well as in the houses. Shaligram is a fossilized shell used in South Asia as an iconic symbol and form of Lord Vishnu. They are typically in the form of spherical, black-colored and smooth in nature. We offer a pure array of Shri Shalagram. Its origination place is also likewise of Sankha, Moti or Gomati Chakra which are Aquatic States. Shalagram is a Blackstone brought from Gandaki river, there is a big place called Shalagram and these Shalagram are hundreds of years old.
Rudraksha – 9 Mukhi , 17 Mukhi & 18 Mukhi is also worshipped along with Goddess Katyayani Puja & Yagna. By doing so the power of Puja & Yagna increases manifolds times more. Shaligram Shala offers certified Rudraksh sourced from Nepal & Java (Indonesia). These Rudraksh Beads are genuine & real and can work as a cure for a wide variety of diseases including chronic headaches, allergies & skin problems, backaches & digestive problems, depression & insomnia and also several kinds of emotional problems. You can purchase online Rudraksha, Shaligram, gemstones, Vastu products, Puja & Yagnas, meditation accessories, bracelets, Malas and spiritual books & CDs.
Gemstone – Wearing Gomed (Hessonite) , Blue Sapphire (Neelam) & Coral (Moonga) gemstone along with Goddess Katyayani Puja & Yagna gives results quickly. Gemstones also known as gems, precious stones, semi-precious stones, Vedic gemstones, Jyotish gemstones are one of the most beautiful & exotic minerals with elegant appearance & color. Gems or Gemstones Jewelleries are extensively used for healing and self-empowerment. There are different types of gems with different prices. The price of gemstones depends on the quality of minerals & availability.
Murtis & Idols – You should also worship Durga Idols along with Goddess Katyayani Puja & Yagna. shaligram.com is one of the leading websites which deals in very high quality and rare Murtis & Idols made of makrana marbles & brass. The Pranpratisthit Murtis are actual live Murties and bestow the devotee with longevity, protection against sudden accidents and thefts.
Yantra – Worshipping Durga And Devi Yantra along with Goddess Katyayani puja gives accurate results. Yantra established the vibration of large resonance or amplitude with the benefic energy of cosmos. These vibrations generate contact with highly elevated energies and help to enhance the spirituality within and attain spiritual course of conduct in our daily lives. It also increases the intensity of prayer & makes our thoughts more influential & strong.
Goddess Katyayani – A Powerful Form of Devi Among Navadurgas
The Goddess also acts as the preceding deity on the 6th day (Chaturthi day) of Navaratri.
Worshipping Maa Katyayani is believed to bring courage and wisdom to the devotees. Also, the Devi is considered as the bestower of health, wealth, and success.
Meaning of the Name Katyayani
Many Hindu scholars explain the name Katyayani as Katasya apatyaym stri iti Kathyayani, which means Katyayani is the daughter of Rishi Katya, who is none other than Katyayana.
Ezoic
As the Goddess was born as the daughter of Rishi Katyayana, she is called with the name Katyayani.
The iconography of the Goddess
Goddess Katyayani of Navadurgas is usually represented as the one seated on a lion and with four arms. She is shown holding a sword and a lotus with her left hands while holding a shield and showing the Abhaya mudra with her right hands.
The Devi Mahatmya describes the Devi as one with four arms, by which she holds a conch and a discus with her upper hands, while the lower hands showing the Abhaya and Varada mudras.
Ezoic
There is also a greater form of Maa Katyayani, which is represented with eight arms.
Some Hindu texts like Rupa madana and Maya Deepika mentioned Goddess Katyayani as the Mahishasura Mardini, the slayer of demon Mahishasura. In such representations, the Goddess is seen with ten arms and in the scenario of killing demon Mahishasura.
Even some medieval works like Kadambari by Bana Bhatta refers that the feet of Katyayani Mata were reddened due to the blood of demon Mahishasura.
Ezoic
What do Hindu Holy scriptures say about Goddess Katyayani?
Many holy scriptures had mentioned that Goddess Katyayani Mata was a form of Ambika.
In the Taittariya Aranyaka of the Yajurveda, the names of the Devi Durga like Katyayani, Vairochini, and others are mentioned in the verses.
Sacred scriptures like Devi Charitra, Rudrayamala Tantra, Shaivaagamas, and Navadurga puja rahasya mentioned this Devi as a form of Navadurga and some of the texts also gave the details about worshipping of those goddesses during the Navaratri days.
There are also several mentions of this Goddess in Bhagavatha Purana, which refers to the people of Vrindavana worshipping the Goddess. Also, the Purana mentions that Gopi’s of Krishna used to worship this Goddess.
Moreover, several stotras of Devi mentioned the name of this Goddess as synonyms to Durga, Chandi, and Shakthi.
Mantra and Hymn for Goddess Katyayani
Mantra
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namaha
Hymn
Chandrahasojwala kara sardhulavara vahana
Katyayani subham dadyadevi danava ghaathini
Holding in her hands the shining sword Chandrahasa, O the Goddess who rides on a Lion as her vahana
O Goddess Katyayani, please bring me auspiciousness, O Devi, the slayer of Danavas
Story of Devi Katyayani
The Story of Katyayani Devi is similar to the story of Goddess Mahishasura Mardini as this Goddess is considered as Mahishasura Mardini herself by several holy scriptures.
However, the story differs from the story of Mahishasura Mardini, slightly on the birth of Goddess.
At the same time, several Hindu theologists believe that Katyayani is a goddess who accompanied the Goddess Mahishasura Mardini, just like Goddess Kali and Kaushiki in the battle with demon Mahishasura.
Let’s now dive into the story
Birth of Devi Katyayani
There lived a sage named Katyayana, who is an ardent devotee of Parashakthi. He worshipped the Goddess in many ways and wished to have her as his child.
So, he had done great penances and worshipped the Devi with utmost devotion to get the Goddess Shakthi as his daughter.
Pleased by the devotion, Devi appeared before Rishi Katyayana and told him that your wish will be fulfilled in the near future.
On the other hand, Demon Mahishasura got the throne of the Asura Kingdom from his father.
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He had done a great penance on Brahma and got several boons along with the boon of invincibility on all the beings, but he didn’t include lady or women in that list, thinking that they won’t be a serious threat to him from them.
Later, with the mighty powers he acquired, he raised a war against Deva Loka and defeated Indra and brought Deva Loka under his control.
Unable to bear the illegitimate actions of Mahishasura, all the Devas went to the God Shiva and Vishnu and asked for their help.
All of the gods, with their Shakthi and Tejas, created a Goddess. This had happened in the hermitage of Katyayana Maharshi.
With respect to the birth, the Devi is named as Katyayani, who is also considered as Mahishasura Mardini.
Battle with Mahishasura
The Goddess was with enchanting beauty, as many lokas were under the control of Mahishasura, news of a lady with immense beauty reached the ears of Mahishasura, and several of the messengers and ministers of his court thought that she could be a perfect match for their king.
So, they sent a messenger to the Devi and said about their proposal of marriage with Mahishasura.
In reply, Devi smiled and said, first go and say your king to come and do the battle with me and defeat me in it, then I can take your proposal into account.
Listening to the sharp words of the Devi, they came back to Mahishasura and said about it.
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Mahishasura angered and went to the battle, where he and his asura warriors were crushed by Devi Mahishasura Mardini or Katyayani.
Some say that Devi Katyayani helped in the samhara of Mahishasura and other demons in the battle, just like goddess Kaushiki and Kali.
Another Great Story Related to Goddess
There is also another story related to birth of this Goddess.
Once Devi Parvati, while playing with her consort God Shiva, she blindfolded the Supreme God for fun.
All of a sudden, the worlds filled up with darkness. Goddess Parvati realized the mistake and took her hands back.
Even though she is the Great Goddess involved in the creation of the Universe as Shakthi, she thought to follow the rules of Dharma, such that to show the world the importance of Dharma or righteousness.
So, the Devi took a new incarnation to reunite with God Shiva again.
She was born as the daughter of Maharshi Katyayana, an ardent devotee who wished to have the Goddess as his daughter.
As the Goddess was born as the daughter of Katyayana, she is called in the name of Katyayani.
As the Devi is growing up, Sage Katyayana as his duty, thought to reunite the Shakthi with Shiva.
So, he sent her to Kanchipuram and said to worship God Shiva.
The Shakthi in the form of Katyayani Devi too thought its time to reunite with Shiva and even to agree to the wish of her father in this incarnation.
Devi went to Kanchipuram and worshipped the Shiva Linga made of sand under a mango tree.
God Shiva thought to test her dedication by creating a great flood. Seeing it, Devi hugged the Saikatha Linga (linga made up of sand) in order to protect it from the flood.
Seeing the devotion of Goddess Parvati, God Shiva appeared and married her.
In this way, Goddess Parvati took the form of Devi Katyayani and reunited back with Shiva.
Temples of Katyayani Mata
There are several temples across India dedicated to this goddess. Here are some of the famous temples of the Devi:
Katyayani Durga Temple, Varanasi
Katyayani Baneshwar Temple, Sakkalbert, Karnataka
Shree Adyakatyayani Shakthipeeth Mandir, Chhatarpur, New Delhi
Shri Katyayani Peeth, Vrundavan, U.P
Katyayani Devi
(6) Katyayani Devi
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥
The sixth form of Durga represents the Mother who blesses Her children with ultimate purity, because She destroys our negativeness.
She is Katyayani Devi, and She is a pure reflection of the divine radiance of all of the Gods.
The story is told that when the Gods were troubled by the demons, they gathered together at the ashram of Maharishi Katyayana to enlist his help.
In their anger over the situation with the demons, the Gods, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara, concentrated their light and energy into a united form of pure radiance. This radiance was so powerful that from it, an ever pure form of the Goddess Durga was manifest.
As Maharishi Katyayana was the first to worship Her, and She became manifest in the Katyayana Ashram, She was named Katyayani, the Goddess who is eternally pure.
Riding on the most excellent lion, Kātyāyaṇi holds a flaming scimitar (curved sword), destroying demons. We pray for her to bless us with fortune (śubhaṁ).
Mother Katyayani is depicted as having four hands with the following significance:
upper-right hand she bestows boons
lower-right hand She grants freedom from fear
upper-left hand she holds a lotus flower of peace
sword in her lower-left hand to cut negativities
lion of dharma is the vehicle
Kātyāyaṇī is one of the more famous forms of the Navadurga and is mentioned in many different texts and has many temples in India.
Maharishi Katyayana worshiped Her during the last three days of Ashwin (Fall Navaratri). On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashmi (the day of Victory), this captivating form of Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura, who we know as the Great Ruler of Duality, otherwise called the Great Ego.
She is also associated with Kanya Kumāri as seen in her Gāyātrī mantra in the Taittirīya Āraṇyaka:
Kātyāyanāya vidmahe kanyakumāri dhīmahi |
tanno durgiḥ pracodayāt | 10.1.6
Kātyāyaṇi’s worship is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purāṇa. During the first month of hemanta season unmarried girls do a vow (vrata) to get a husband. They eat only unspiced kitcheri and worship the goddess Kātyāyaṇī (10.22.1).
They wake before sunrise to bathe in a sacred river and for one month they worship their handmade clay image of the goddess with sandalwood paste, flowers, decorations (jewelry, clothe, etc), the fresh tips of plants, fruit, flower garlands, lights (dīpa) and incense as they pray to the Goddess for the perfect husband.
Kātyāyaṇī is listed as a synonym for Parvati in the Amarkoṣa (an ancient Sanskrit Thesaurus). This name is also used interchangably with Durgā. The specific form of Kātyāyaṇī is known to reside in the sixth chakra, the Ajna or Third eye chakra, between the eye brows. Her blessings bring focus and intellect.
Seeing with the third eye allows us to experience clear thoughts, spiritual contemplation, self reflection, inner guidance and deeper truths.
Kātyāyaṇī’s grace helps us to experience the purity of our true nature by destroying all of our negative selfishness. Particularly, She helps us to overcome shame. This was seen by the gopis who had their clothing stolen by Kṛṣṇa, and then had to reveal themselves and overcome the shadow of shame.
Kātyāyaṇī removes the hindrances to the inner child, and allows us to find humour in our life so that we act young and playful no matter what our age.
Devotees who worship Mother Katyayani are blessed with child-like innocence, pure devotion, and their requirements for dharma (ideal of perfection), artha (necessary resources), kama (fulfillment of desires), and moksha (liberation) are granted.
On Navaratri, chant her mantra and focus on the third eye. Pray for Her to return you to your original innocent nature by removing all negative blockages. Surrender to Her and let Her take care of all of your worldly needs, as well as bestow greater clarity and deeper wisdom.