॥ Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah ॥
॥ Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana।
Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini ॥
The sixth day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the worship of the sixth form of Goddess Durga, Goddess Katyayani. It is believed that by worshipping this form of the Goddess, devotees are freed from grief and fear. She radiates divine, supernatural energy. Goddess Katyayani is also known as Vikta Devi, a well-known Shakti Peeth.
Sri Katyayani Durga Devi, the sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga, appeared on earth as the daughter of Sage Katyayana, who had performed intense penance to have the Goddess as his child. Pleased with his devotion, the Goddess took birth in his home. She was the first to be worshipped by him, hence the name Katyayani. Her form is simple yet divine, and devotees throng her temples on the sixth day of Navratri.
Katyayani is the sixth form of Navdurga, the nine forms of Goddess Parvati. She is depicted as a serene and loving daughter with a golden complexion, three eyes, and four arms. In her hands, she carries a sword and a lotus, while her other two hands bless devotees and protect them. Riding a tiger, she represents courage and compassion. It is believed that sincere prayer to Devi Katyayani grants the four purusharthas – Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
According to legend, she was born to Sage Katyayana on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of Ashwina masa. The Sage then worshipped her for three days – the 7th, 8th, and 9th of the brighter fortnight (Shukla Paksha).
One story tells that Goddess Katyayani once travelled to the Mysore Hills, where the asuras (demons) were captivated by her beauty. They reported this to their king, Mahishasura, who sought her hand in marriage. She challenged him to battle, defeated him, and cut off his head with her sword. This victory earned her the title Mahishasuramardini, the Slayer of Mahishasura.
As per the Karveer Mahatmya, Goddess Katyayani, along with Goddess Mahalaxmi, went to Karveer (modern-day Kolhapur) to wage war against the demon Kolhasur. During the battle, they faced Raktabeej, who had a boon that every drop of his blood falling on the earth would give rise to another demon. To stop this, Goddess Katyayani swallowed every drop of his blood, ensuring victory over him.
The name Katyayani itself means “the remover of destructive ego.” Her mantra is considered highly powerful for removing obstacles, especially Manglik Dosha and adverse planetary influences in a girl’s horoscope. It is also believed to be particularly effective for those facing delays in marriage.
