Maa Katyayani is the sixth form of the nine forms of Durga. Maa Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of the festival of Navratri. The appearance of Katyayani Devi describes her as the most violent form of the Goddess and also known as the warrior goddess or Adi Parashakti. The most notable goddess Katyayani story involves the slaying of the demon Mahishasura. Read on to know more about who is Katyayani Devi and why is Maa Katyayani worshipped on sixth day of Navratri?
Who Is Katyayani Devi?
The Mahishasuramardini or killer of Mahishasura, who is Katyayani Devi, is a powerful form of Goddess Durga. She was born to a sage named Katyayana and grew up to be a brave and powerful warrior. Her first mentions are found in Yajurveda although there’s another mention in the Skanda Purana that says Maa Katyayani was a product of the gods’ combined rage, made to destroy the demon.
Maa Katyayani’s mentions are also found in Jain, Buddhism, and Tantric writings. In the chakras, Maa Katyayani is associated with the sixth Ajna Chakra which is also called the Third Eye Chakra.
Appearance Of Katyayani Devi
Like some of Maa Durga’s forms, the appearance of Katyayani Devi too is depicted to possess four hands. She holds a lotus in two of her hands and a sword in the third one. Her fourth is free, from which Maa Katyayani blesses her devotees with good fortune and happiness.
In some versions, the appearance of Katyayani Devi is shown that her hands increase to 12 when she is in her fierce form with a killing aura.
Goddess Katyayani Story
There are many different versions of the goddess Katyayani story and her origins. But the most common one is related to that of Mahishasura. When the demon Mahishasura was wreaking havoc in the three realms, the gods were all worried about how to defeat this immensely powerful demon. Thus Lord Vishnu, with Lord Brahma and Shiva, poured his anger combined with the other gods and created a mountainous form of bright and bustling energy.
Sage Katyayana had always prayed to goddess Durga to be born in his home and thus the gods decided to send this form to the sage. Katyayana acknowledged the form that emerged from this energy and thus she was named after him, Katyayani.
Having been blessed by the gods with immense power, she moved ahead in search of Mahishasura and reached Mysore hills where his underlings saw her and were enamoured by her beauty. They described it to their boss, Mahishasura, who was immediately whipped and wanted Maa Katyayani at any cost.
Maa Katyayani then proposed a deal- Mahishasura could only marry her if he defeated her in war. The demon agreed and thus, in a fierce battle of many days, she was able to defeat Mahishasura by dismembering his head in his bull form.
Also Read- Why Durga Killed Mahishashura – The Significance Of Navratri
Why Is Maa Katyayani Worshipped On Sixth Day Of Navratri?
The reason why is Maa Katyayani worshipped on sixth day of Navratri is because her worshippers believe that she takes away all the evil from their lives and bestows them with happiness, peace, and joy.
For reasons unknown of its origin, Maa Katyayani, a powerful form of goddess Durga, is worshipped by young girls who are at the age of marriage so that they get a caring and loving husband for themselves. They observe fast and chant Maa Katyayani’s mantras to please the goddess to bless them for the same.
Also Read- Goddess Skandamata Story – Why Is Maa Skandamata Worshipped On Fifth Day Of Navratri
Conclusion
With almost half the days of Navratri gone, the mood of festivity has started to near the more enthusiastic celebrations. There are fairs, pandals, and community meals (Bhandara) organised in various parts of Indian states to celebrate the victory of good over evil, which is the main concept behind these celebrations.
After learning the goddess Katyayani story, make time to visit Maa Katyayani’s temples present in many locations all over the country and pray to her to have a good and happy life ahead.
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