Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of nine different forms of Goddess Durga. On the sixth day, we honor Katyayani, a form of the goddess believed to have appeared as the daughter of Maharshi Katyayan.
Description of Goddess Katyayani:
Goddess Katyayani is depicted with four arms. In one hand, she holds a sword, symbolizing her power and ability to overcome obstacles. In another, she holds a flower, representing her grace and beauty. Her third hand is in Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of reassurance and protection. The fourth hand is in Var Mudra, a gesture of granting blessings and fulfilling desires. It is believed that worshipping Katyayani can lead to achieving wealth, religion, work, and salvation. Worshipping her is also said to improve the position of Venus and resolve marital problems.
Story of Katyayani Devi:
Sage Katyayan, a devoted worshipper of the Goddess, was blessed to have a daughter, who was none other than Goddess Durga herself. Known as Katyayani, she is believed to have killed Mahishasura, a demon. For this, she is also called Mahishasura Mardani. Katyayani is considered the destroyer of demons and asuras.
Worship by Other Deities:
Lord Rama and Shri Krishna, renowned deities in Hindu mythology, are also believed to have worshipped Katyayani. The gopis, female devotees of Krishna, are said to have worshipped her to find husbands like Krishna. Katyayani's incarnation was essential for maintaining religion in the universe.
Mantra of Katyayani Devi
।। ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नम: ।।
Puja Vidhi for Katyayani Devi:
- Morning Rituals: Take a bath and perform Kalash Puja and worship Lord Ganesha.
- Remember Other Deities: Remember other deities and offer them prayers.
- Worship Katyayani: Start worshipping Goddess Katyayani by applying roli tilak on her picture or idol.
- Offerings: Offer akshat, a red flower, desi ghee diya, cloves, paan (betel leaf), batasha (a sweet), betel nut, and honey to the goddess.
- Chants and Readings: Chant mantras dedicated to Katyayani and read Durga Saptashati or Chalisa. Read the story of Katyayani Mata.
- Aarti and Apology: Perform the Aarti and offer your apologies.
It is believed that Goddess Katyayani is particularly fond of honey. Therefore, on the sixth day of Navratri, offering honey or honey-based items is considered especially auspicious.
Katyayani Devi Aarti
जय कात्यायनि माँ, मैया जय कात्यायनि माँ ।
उपमा रहित भवानी, दूँ किसकी उपमा ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
गिरजापति शिव का तप, असुर रम्भ कीन्हाँ ।
वर-फल जन्म रम्भ गृह, महिषासुर लीन्हाँ ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
कर शशांक-शेखर तप, महिषासुर भारी ।
शासन कियो सुरन पर, बन अत्याचारी ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
त्रिनयन ब्रह्म शचीपति, पहुँचे, अच्युत गृह ।
महिषासुर बध हेतू, सुर कीन्हौं आग्रह ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
सुन पुकार देवन मुख, तेज हुआ मुखरित ।
जन्म लियो कात्यायनि, सुर-नर-मुनि के हित ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
अश्विन कृष्ण-चौथ पर, प्रकटी भवभामिनि ।
पूजे ऋषि कात्यायन, नाम काऽऽत्यायिनि ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
अश्विन शुक्ल-दशी को, महिषासुर मारा ।
नाम पड़ा रणचण्डी, मरणलोक न्यारा ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
दूजे कल्प संहारा, रूप भद्रकाली ।
तीजे कल्प में दुर्गा, मारा बलशाली ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
दीन्हौं पद पार्षद निज, जगतजननि माया ।
देवी सँग महिषासुर, रूप बहुत भाया ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
उमा रमा ब्रह्माणी, सीता श्रीराधा ।
तुम सुर-मुनि मन-मोहनि, हरिये भव-बाधा ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
जयति मङ्गला काली, आद्या भवमोचनि ।
सत्यानन्दस्वरूपणि, महिषासुर-मर्दनि ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
जय-जय अग्निज्वाला, साध्वी भवप्रीता ।
करो हरण दुःख मेरे, भव्या सुपुनीता॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
अघहारिणि भवतारिणि, चरण-शरण दीजै ।
हृदय-निवासिनि दुर्गा, कृपा-दृष्टि कीजै ॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
ब्रह्मा अक्षर शिवजी, तुमको नित ध्यावै ।
करत ‘अशोक’ नीराजन, वाञ्छितफल पावै॥
मैया जय कात्यायनि….
