Goddess Katyayani is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during the Navratri festival in India. She is known as the sixth manifestation of the Goddess and is represented as having four arms, with her right hand holding a sword and her left hand holding a lotus flower. She is also depicted as riding a lion.
The name “Katyayani” is derived from the sage Katyayana, who is said to have worshipped the Goddess to seek her blessings. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Katyayani was born to help the Gods defeat the demon Mahishasura, who was causing havoc in the universe.
Mantra/मन्त्र:
Chandrahasojjwalkara Shardulvarvahana.
Katyayani Shubham Dadyadevi Demon-Ghatini ॥
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद्देवी दानव-घातिनी॥
It is believed that the demon Mahishasura was granted a boon by Lord Brahma, which made him invincible against all men. However, the boon did not include women, and thus, the Gods decided to create a female warrior to defeat the demon. Goddess Katyayani was created as a result of their collective energies and was given weapons and powers by the Gods.
Goddess Katyayani is associated with courage, strength, and victory. It is believed that worshipping her can help in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in life. The sword in her right hand symbolizes her ability to cut through ignorance and the lotus flower in her left hand represents purity and enlightenment.
The lion on which she rides represents power and strength, and it is said that the Goddess is always ready to protect her devotees from harm. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Katyayani can bring happiness, prosperity, and success to one’s life.
The Goddess is worshipped during the sixth day of Navratri, where devotees offer flowers, sweets, and prayers to seek her blessings. It is believed that worshipping her can help in overcoming fear, anxiety, and other negative emotions.
In addition to being worshipped during the Navratri festival, Goddess Katyayani is also revered during the festival of Vasant Panchami, which marks the beginning of spring in India. It is believed that the Goddess blesses her devotees with new beginnings, prosperity, and happiness on this day.
In conclusion, Goddess Katyayani is a powerful and benevolent deity in Hindu mythology. She is associated with courage, strength, and victory and is believed to help her devotees in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in life. Her blessings are sought after during the Navratri festival and Vasant Panchami.
