Maa Katyayani Puja

Who is Katyayani?

Katyayani is one among the Navadurgas, the nine forms of the Goddess Durga. Katyayani is a fierce manifestation of Shakti, the divine female power. The term Durga means ‘the invincible’, and Katyayani, the warrior Goddess, remains as one. Regarded as the sixth of Durga’s nine forms, she is worshipped on the sixth day of the Navratri festival.

Benefits of Katyayani Pooja

1. Removes obstacles in getting married.
   2. Helps women find the best possible life partners.
   3. Manglik Dosh is eliminated from one’s horoscope.
   4. Married couples can have children faster.
   5. Brings harmony to family life.

What is the legend associated with Goddess Katyayani?

Legends regard her as the daughter of sage Katyayana, who was born in the Katya dynasty that originated from the great rishi Vishwamitra. Hence her name became Katyayani, the daughter of Katyayana. However, other texts believe that she was first worshipped by sage Katyayana, and that is the reason for her name.

Vamana Purana gives a detailed account of Katyayani’s incarnation and heroic feats. Once a number of demons performed penance for pleasing the Gods and obtaining boons. Mahishasura was chief among them. He had the face of a buffalo and already possessed tremendous strength. He did severe penance towards Lord Brahma, and got from him various boons, which made him almost unconquerable. The most important of the boons that he obtained assured him that, if at all he was killed, that can only be by a woman. Thus fully armed with many blessings and well protected by boons, he went on the rampage and played havoc on heaven and earth, committing unspeakable atrocities against the Devas and human beings. The ultimate Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva decided to put an end to his wrongdoings, and together emitted a massive flame, from which emerged Devi Katyayani, with the brilliance of innumerable Suns. With three eyes, eighteen arms and a flowing black hair, she was resplendent. While the heavenly beings bowed to her, the Gods armed her fully with powerful weapons like trident, discus, conch, dart, sword and shield, bow and arrows, thunderbolt, mace and battle axe, and also with a rosary and water pot. The Goddess then proceeded straight on her lion mount, along with her army, to take on Mahishasura.