New Delhi: On the 6th of Navratri, goddess Katyayani is worshipped by devotees. The festive occasion of Sharad Navratri began this year on September 26 and will last till October 4 with Dussehra or Vijayadashami marked on the 5th of this month respectively. During Navratri, 9 different forms of Devi Durga are prayed to.
Navratri and Durga Puja festival coincides annually in the month of September-October depending upon Hindu calendar dates. Both festivals signify the victory of good over evil.
NAVRATTRI 2022 PUJA: MAA KATYAYANI
Maa Katyayani is worshipped on the 6th day of Navratri. She is the second name of Goddess Parvati, Adi Parashakti or Amarakosha, as per the Sanskrit lexicon. She is also hailed as the fierce avatar of Maa Durga as per some beliefs. Maa Katyayani is associated with the red colour, something which is also linked to Goddess Durga.
MAA KATYAYANI PUJA
According to Skanda Purana, Devi Katyayani came into being from the spontaneous anger of the gods to kill the demon—Mahishasur. She mounted on a lion which Goddess Parvati offered to her and killed Mahishasur in her fierce avatar. That is why Durga is also known by the name Mahishasurmardini. This is celebrated widely across the globe as Durga Puja. It coincides with the Sharad Navratri which falls during September-October.
The legend of Mahishasur and how the goddess killed him is the most popular one associated with the origin of Maa Katyayani, who put an end to evil and helped the gods from the clutches of this demon.
Goddess Katyayani mounts on a lion and has three eyes and is four-armed.
MAA KATYAYANI MANTRA FOR BLISSFUL MARRIAGE:
कात्यायनि महामाये महायोगिन्यधीश्वरि । नन्द गोपसुतं देविपतिं मे कुरु ते नमः ॥
Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadheeshwari
Nandgopsutam Devipatim Me Kuru Te Namah
KATYAYANI MANTRA:
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥
DEVI 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॥
BENEFITS OF CHANTING MAA KATYAYANI MANTRAS
It is believed, if someone's marriage is getting delayed, Maa Katyayani's mantra chant removes all the hurdles, Manglik Dosha from the horoscope. If married, then this mantra can ensure a happy married life. It is said those who are unmarried or in love can also chant the mantra for marrying the partner of their choice.
THE LEGEND OF DEVI KATYAYANI
As per popular beliefs, Devi Katyayani was born to Rishi Katyayan, who hailed from the Katya lineage linked to Vishwamitra originally. The sage Katyayan was an ardent Durga follower and performed austere penance to please the goddess as he wanted her to be born as his daughter. Later, Maa Durga, pleased by his tap and dedication reincarnated as Katyayani—the daughter of Katyayan.
In other texts, such as the Kalika Purana, it is stated that because Rishi Katyayan first worshipped the goddess, she came to be known as Katyayani.
There are several temples of Devi Katyayani in the country and Katyayani Vrat (fast) is also observed by the women, who wish to have a husband of their own choice. Earlier beliefs also link it to the legend which says Gopis would observe the fast, singing Lord Krishna's praises and pray to Maa Katyayani with devotion in order to seek Krishna as their partner.
Khadga is her weapon and she holds a lotus in one of her hands while the other hand stays always stays in Abhayamudra or Varadamudra for blessings.
Here wishing everyone a Happy Navratri and Durga Pujo!
