On the sixth day of Navratri, the focus shifts to Maa Katyayani, the warrior goddess revered for her victory over the demon king Mahishasura. This day marks a decisive moment in the festival, embodying the spirit of strength, courage, and devotion.
Who is Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani stands as one of the most formidable and revered forms of Maa Durga, celebrated during the auspicious festival of Navratri. Known as the Warrior Goddess, she embodies strength and resilience, representing the triumph of good over evil.
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Katyayani was born from the collective energies of the gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – who manifested her to combat the demon king Mahishasura, whose tyranny threatened the celestial realms. Her birth took place in the hermitage of Sage Katyayana, from whom she derives her name.
Maa Katyayani is often depicted riding a lion, symbolizing her fierce nature and courage. She is typically shown with four arms, wielding a sword and a lotus flower while bestowing blessings through her Abhaya mudra, which protects her devotees.
Her worship is particularly significant for unmarried girls, who seek her blessings for a suitable partner. It is believed that those who chant the sacred Katyayani Mantra with devotion will be granted their wishes for love and companionship.
As the sixth avatar of the nine forms of Durga, Maa Katyayani inspires millions to overcome challenges, instilling hope and empowerment in the hearts of her followers. During Navratri, she is celebrated not just for her might but also for her nurturing aspect, as she embodies the divine feminine energy that guides and protects.
Maa Katyayani symbolizes strength, virtue, and devotion, reminding us that with faith and determination, we can conquer even the most daunting obstacles.
The Story of Maa Katyayani
The legend of Katyayani begins in a time of turmoil when Mahishasura, the demon with the ability to transform into a bull, wreaked havoc in the heavens. He captured the gods, intending to rule the universe. Desperate for help, the gods turned to Lord Shiva, who, in response, combined the energies of Brahma, Vishnu, and himself to create Durga Shakti.
In response to the prayers of Rishi Katyayana, Katyayani was born. The Vamana Purana describes her as a radiant goddess with three eyes that reflected the sun’s light. With long, curly black hair and eighteen hands, each holding a weapon gifted by various gods, she was destined to restore balance and defeat the forces of evil.
Maa Katyayani is portrayed as a formidable figure with three radiant eyes and four powerful arms. In her left hands, she wields a sword, symbolizing strength, while delicately holding a lotus flower, representing purity. Her right hands express compassion and protection; one is raised in the Abhaya Mudra, offering reassurance and safety, while the other rests in the Varada Mudra, signifying the granting of blessings. Sitting atop a majestic lion, she embodies fearlessness and ferocity in battle, illustrating her role as a fierce warrior goddess.
When Katyayani learned of Mahishasura’s tyranny, she set forth to confront him. Armed with divine weapons—including a trident, Sudarshan Chakra, conch shell, bow, and arrows—she marched towards the Mysore hills, where Mahishasura reigned. An aide of Mahishasura saw her approach and rushed to inform the demon. Attracted by her beauty and strength, Mahishasura offered Katyayani his love.
Katyayani, however, was not swayed by his charm. She proposed a fair fight, declaring that only if he could defeat her would he have the chance to win her affection. This challenge ignited Mahishasura’s fury, and he transformed into a powerful bull, attacking her with all his might.
Katyayani proved to be a master of evasion. She dodged his fierce attacks with strategic skill, waiting patiently for the right moment. When Mahishasura momentarily lost his balance, she seized the opportunity, leaping from her lion with a javelin in hand. With a precise throw, she struck down Mahishasura and cut off his head with her trident in a final act of valour. Holding his head high as a symbol of victory, Katyayani’s triumph marked the end of Mahishasura’s reign of terror.
Katyayani’s victory over Mahishasura solidified her status as a warrior goddess and established her as a symbol of strength and justice. She is often worshipped by women seeking a good husband, a tradition that dates back to figures like Radha, Sita, and Rukmini, who sought her blessings.
In Hinduism, Katyayani is also known by many names, including Adishakti Parashakti, Uma, Gauri, Kali, Haimvati, and Ishwari. Her fierce nature aligns her with other warrior goddesses like Bhadrakali and Chandika, all forms of the divine feminine and manifestations of Goddess Parvati.
Benefits of Worshipping Maa Katyayani
On this auspicious day, devotees observe rituals to invoke Maa Katyayani’s blessings, which symbolise intelligence, peace, and the destruction of evil. Many unmarried women observe a fast, chanting the Katyayani Mantra 108 times, believing their prayers will help them find their ideal partners.
How to Perform Maa Katyayani Puja
For those looking to perform the Katyayani Puja, here’s a guide to the rituals and materials needed:
1. Puja Samagri: Gather fresh flowers, honey, prasad, and lotus flowers.
2. Puja Vidhi: Start your day early with a ritual bath, wear new clothes, and cleanse the puja space. Offer flowers and light a diya before the idol of Maa Katyayani.
3. Bhog: Offer honey as a special offering, symbolizing sweetness and prosperity.
4. Timing: Brahma Muhurta till the Abhijit Muhurat
5. Color of the Day: Embrace the colour grey, representing balance and humility, by wearing it on this day.
Maa Katyayani Mantra
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥
Maa Katyayani Prarthana
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥
Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana।
Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini॥
Maa Katyayani 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॥
Maa Katyayani 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॥
Maa Katyayani 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॥
Maa Katyayani 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॥
Maa Katyayani 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। ग्रन्थि काटे मोह माया की॥
झूठे मोह से छुडाने वाली। अपना नाम जपाने वाली॥
बृहस्पतिवार को पूजा करिये। ध्यान कात्यानी का धरिये॥
हर संकट को दूर करेगी। भण्डारे भरपूर करेगी॥
जो भी माँ को भक्त पुकारे। कात्यायनी सब कष्ट निवारे॥