The sixth day of Navratri celebrates Maa Katyayani, the epitome of fierce power and courage and the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. She is known as the daughter of sage Katyayana, hence the name Katyayani.
Today, in this blog, we will learn more about the goddess Katyayani, understanding her origin, significance, and symbolism in Hindu mythology.
Origin of Maa Katyayani
According to the legends, there was once a sage named Katyayan who didn’t have any child of his own. Desperately seeking a child, he performed strong penance in regard to Durga Mata.
On the other hand, there was the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura who was creating havoc on both earth and heaven. No one was able to kill him as he had received a boon from Lord Brahma that no man or animal would be able to kill him. However, Brahma also told him that a woman would be the end of him. And this woman was none other than Maa Katyayani herself.
The Hindu trinity, i.e., Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva assembled their energies and created Katyayani in the form of divine energy rays. These rays fell, crystallized, and took a proper, real form in the hermitage of Sage Katyayan, who was longing for a child. This way, the sage was blessed with a beautiful girl in the form of Maa Katyayani.
But the purpose behind Katyayani’s birth was yet to be fulfilled. She then took on the demon Mahishasura on the battlefield and put him to death, restoring dharma and balance in the universe.
The Iconography of Goddess Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani is depicted with 3 years and four hands. Both of her left hands carry a sword and a lotus flower while the right hands rest in the varada and abhaya mudra. Adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead, Maa Katyayani is seen riding a lion which reflects the fierce and powerful form she took to eradicate the evil forces overtaking the universe.
Mantras for Katyayani Mata
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नम: ll
Oṃ Devī Kātyāyanyai Namaḥ
चंद्रहासोज्जवलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना। कात्यायनी शुभं दध्यादेवी दानवघातिनि॥:
Chandrahasojjvalakara, Shaardulavara Vaahana |
Kaatyayani Shubham, Daddya Devi Daanava Ghaatini ||
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Katyayani Rupena Samsthita |
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah ||
Also Read : Goddess Skandamata and her Significance in Navratri
How to Worship Goddess Katyayani During Navratri?
Here are a few rituals that you can follow to worship maa Katyayani:
- Get up early in the morning and clean up the space where you’ll be performing the rituals.
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes, preferably something in red as it is the color associated with Maa Katyayani.
- Light up a ghee diya (earthen lamp) and incense sticks to purify the surroundings.
- Offer flowers/garlands, kumkum (vermilion), and bhog prasad to Maa Katyayani.
- Hereafter, recite the Durga Saptashati Path and Durga Chalisa to invoke the deity. You can also chant the Maa Katyayani mantras.
- At the end, perform the Durga aarti and seek the blessings of Katyayani Mata.
Also Read : Goddess Kushmanda : The Creator of Light and Life on Earth
Takeaway
Goddess Katyayani is the warrior goddess who stands as the epitome of power, energy, and perseverance. It is said that one who sincerely worships her is blessed with prosperity, happiness, and wealth. So this Navratri, dedicate yourself to Katyayani Mata and see everything around you flourish.
