Day 6 of Navratri: Maa Katyayani

Story behind Maa Katyayani

There was a sage named, Katyayan. He performed penance and was a great worshipper of Maa Durga. He wanted the Devi to born as his daughter. She listened to his prayers and blessed him his desire. That's why the Devi is known as Katyayani, the daughter of Katyayan.

On the other hand, there was Mahishasura who was a half-man, half-buffalo demon. He could change his form at his will. He had performed penance for years to Brahma and was blessed that he would not be killed by any man or an animal. The demon did not included women in his request to Brahma as he considered them as vulnerable. Thinking himself as if he is immortal and no one could kill him, he started destruction and troubled the men and god. He wanted to rule over the world. It was then Devi Durga in the powerful form of Maa Katyayani burst his bubble and rescued the folks. She beheaded Mahishasura with her trishul (trident) and slayed the demon. She is thus, popularly known as Mahishasura Mardini.

In another incident, the gopis of Braj had made an idol of Maa Katyayani and prayed to her with the desire to get Krishna as their husband. She was pleased by their devotion and fulfilled their wishes. She is greatly loved and worshipped by Braj people in this form. Thus, those who want to get marry to their desired partner may worship her for her blessings.

Why to Worship Maa Katyayani?

People pray to Maa Katyayani for wish fulfilment. Worshipping her activates the ajna (third-eye) chakra that governs the insight and intuition. This helps to see ourselves beyond the superficial life. She rules Brihaspati or the Jupiter planet, that represents growth and prosperity. Her blessings help to overcome obstacles in life. She helps remove the mangalik dosha. So, anyone who is facing marital issues can observe fast on the day and worship her to get her blessings.

The sixth day of navratri is the day of celebration of victory of good over evil and protection of righteousness. It is the day when Maa Katyayani is worshipped, the form of Maa Durga who had killed the demon, Mahishasura.

How Maa Katyayani Looks Like?

Maa Katyayani is golden in complexion and rides a lion. She is often depicted with four arms: on the left side, one hand holds a sword, and the other hand holds a lotus flower; on the right side, one hand remains in abhayamudra (to ensure her worshippers that they don't need to fear anymore as she is right there to protect them) and the other is in varmudra (symbolises that she always fulfills her devotees' desires).