On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of the Divine Mother. Her name comes from Sage Katyayan, as the Goddess, pleased with his intense penance, was born in his ashram as his daughter. Maa Katyayani is also revered as Mahishasura Mardini—the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. She is the presiding deity of the Ajna Chakra. Worshipping her blesses devotees with courage, righteousness, and the strength to fight injustice.
Significance and Mythology
According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, when the demon Mahishasura attacked heaven with his boundless powers and tormented the gods, the Devas approached Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh for help. On their advice, all gods combined their energies and invoked the Supreme Goddess.
At that time, Sage Katyayan was performing penance to obtain a divine daughter. The Goddess, pleased with his devotion, took birth in his hermitage and came to be known as Katyayani. From the seventh to the tenth day of Ashwin, she was worshipped, and on the tenth day, she slew Mahishasura after a fierce nine-day battle, thus restoring dharma.
Divine Form
Maa Katyayani appears radiant and valiant, seated on a lion, symbolizing courage and majesty. She is four-armed—holding a sword, a discus, a lotus, and a boon-giving gesture. Her golden complexion, flowing hair, dazzling crown, and red garments enhance her divine presence. Though her face radiates compassion, it also reflects fierce determination and divine anger against evil.
Worship Method
- Bathe early and wear clean red clothes
- Decorate the altar with red cloth and flowers
- Perform weapon worship (or worship a piece of iron if no weapon is available)
- Offer red sandalwood, vermilion, red flowers, and red garments
- Special offerings include red rice, jaggery, gulab jamun, pomegranate, and other red fruits
- Light a ghee lamp and chant “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Katyayanyai Namah” during Aarti
Benefits and Blessings
- Awakening of the Ajna Chakra and divine vision
- Victory over inner enemies like lust, anger, and greed
- Courage, leadership, and justice in worldly matters
- Success in education and competitive exams for students
- Professional growth in law, defense, politics, and administration
- Family harmony, protection from negativity, and blessings for daughters to find an ideal life partner
Special Devotion
Reciting the Mahishasura Mardini Stotra and Durga Saptashati on this day is considered highly auspicious. Young girls, in particular, worship Maa Katyayani for blessings of a suitable husband.
Conclusion
Maa Katyayani is the embodiment of valor, justice, and the annihilation of evil. Her worship grants devotees divine protection, unshakable courage, and the strength to walk the righteous path, no matter how challenging life may be.
Jai Maa Katyayani! Her power and grace are invincible!
The articles presented here on the nine forms of Navadurga during Navratri are simply a compilation of information gathered from different sources.
Religion is a matter of personal faith.
Before following any of the details mentioned here, it is advisable to consult scholars or experts with authentic knowledge of scriptures and traditions.
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