Maa Katyayani – Sixth Form of Goddess Durga
Origin and Story of Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani is the sixth form of Goddess Durga worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. Known as the destroyer of evil and protector of righteousness, she symbolizes courage, strength, and victory. She is especially revered by young women seeking a good life partner, as per Hindu scriptures. Worshipping Maa Katyayani is believed to remove obstacles in marriage and bless devotees with love, harmony, and prosperity.
Origin and Story of Maa Katyayani
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Katyayani was born to the great sage Katyayana, after whom she is named. The gods created her to destroy the demon Mahishasura, who had become invincible through a boon. She emerged with a radiant form, wielding celestial weapons gifted by various deities—Lord Shiva gave her a trident, Lord Vishnu a Sudarshan Chakra, and Lord Indra a thunderbolt. Riding a majestic lion, Maa Katyayani fought and ultimately killed Mahishasura, restoring peace to the world.
Iconography of Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani is depicted with four hands:
The upper right hand holds a lotus.
The lower right hand shows the Abhaya Mudra, blessing her devotees.
The upper left hand holds a sword, symbolizing power.
The lower left hand shows the Varada Mudra, granting wishes.
She rides a lion, representing bravery and fearlessness.
Significance of Maa Katyayani Worship
Maa Katyayani is considered the goddess of marriage, relationships, and protection from evil. In the Bhagavata Purana, it is mentioned that young unmarried girls in Vrindavan worshipped Maa Katyayani to get Lord Krishna as their husband. Even today, devotees perform the Katyayani Vrat to overcome delays in marriage or find a suitable partner.
Her blessings are also sought for:
Removing obstacles in life
Strengthening love and relationships
Gaining courage and confidence
Protection from enemies and negative forces
How to Worship Maa Katyayani
Worship on the sixth day of Navratri involves:
Placing her idol or image on a clean altar.
Offering yellow flowers, kumkum, incense, and sweets.
Chanting the Maa Katyayani Mantra:
“Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah”
Reading the Katyayani Katha or Durga Saptashati.
Performing the aarti and praying with devotion.
Origin and Story of Maa Katyayani
According to Hindu mythology, Maa Katyayani was born to the great sage Katyayana, after whom she is named. The gods created her to destroy the demon Mahishasura, who had become invincible through a boon. She emerged with a radiant form, wielding celestial weapons gifted by various deities—Lord Shiva gave her a trident, Lord Vishnu a Sudarshan Chakra, and Lord Indra a thunderbolt. Riding a majestic lion, Maa Katyayani fought and ultimately killed Mahishasura, restoring peace to the world.
Iconography of Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani is depicted with four hands:
The upper right hand holds a lotus.
The lower right hand shows the Abhaya Mudra, blessing her devotees.
The upper left hand holds a sword, symbolizing power.
The lower left hand shows the Varada Mudra, granting wishes.
She rides a lion, representing bravery and fearlessness.
Significance of Maa Katyayani Worship
Maa Katyayani is considered the goddess of marriage, relationships, and protection from evil. In the Bhagavata Purana, it is mentioned that young unmarried girls in Vrindavan worshipped Maa Katyayani to get Lord Krishna as their husband. Even today, devotees perform the Katyayani Vrat to overcome delays in marriage or find a suitable partner.
Her blessings are also sought for:
Removing obstacles in life
Strengthening love and relationships
Gaining courage and confidence
Protection from enemies and negative forces
How to Worship Maa Katyayani
Worship on the sixth day of Navratri involves:
Placing her idol or image on a clean altar.
Offering yellow flowers, kumkum, incense, and sweets.
Chanting the Maa Katyayani Mantra:
“Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah”
Reading the Katyayani Katha or Durga Saptashati.
Performing the aarti and praying with devotion.
