Navratri is a religious and pious festival for Hindu followers. The entire Hindu community celebrates this festival for nine days worshipping nine different avatars of Maa Durga.
Though Navratri festival is cheered all across India, the celebration varies from state to state. In West Bengal, men and women celebrate Navratri festival as Durga Pooja and worship huge idols of Goddess Durga.
Whereas, in Gujarat people perform the traditional dance which is known as Garba almost throughout the night. They wear colourful dresses and mostly Indian traditional dresses are preferred.
So, to seek blessings of Maa Durga's various forms, let us tell you that the fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani. As per Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati took the form of Goddess Katyayini to kill the demon Mahishasura. Katyayini appears as a warrior Goddess.
Maa Katyayani Significance
Starting with the facade of goddess Katyayani, she is represented by four arms. Her upper left hand has a sword and her lower left hand represents lotus. It is believed that while worshipping the Goddess, her devotees feel 'Agya Chakra' which shows them the path to sacrificing everything for her and she fulfils the wishes of her worshippers. Praying to Goddess Katyayini helps in improving one’s marital life and provides relief to her devotees from all the troubles in their life.
According to Hindu mythology, sage Katyayana performed penance to get Goddess Durga as his daughter. Goddess Durga accepted his request and was born in the ashram of Katyayana. Meanwhile, Mahishasur’s army reached heaven to overthrow the Gods and that is when the deities, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha requested Goddess Durga to end the torment of Mahishasur.
Sage Katyayana was the first one who got the privilege to worship her, hence the name Katyayani.
Maa Katyayani Puja Vidhi
Worship the kalash and pray to idol of Maa Katyayini. Chant mantras and stotr path with flowers in your hands. Finish the puja by performing aarti of Maa Katyayani.
After worshipping goddess Katyayani, you should also worship Lord Brahma and Vishnu.
Maa Katyayani Mantra
Chanting the following mentioned mantra which is dedicated to Maa Katyayani will bring peace and success in your life:
Vande Vanchit Manortharth Chandrardhkrit Shekharam
Sinharuda Chaturbhuja Katyayini Yashaswanim
Swarnaagya Chakra Stithtan Shashtam Durga Trinetram
Varabheet Karaan Shagpaddharan Katyayansutan Bhajami
Patambar Paridhanan Smermukhi Nanalankar Bhooshitam
Manjeer Haar Keyoor, Kinkini, Ratnakundal Manditam
Prasannvadna Ptrawadharan Kantakpola Tung Kucham
Kamniya Lavanyan Trivalivibhushit Nimn Nabhim.
Maa Katyayani Stotr Path
Here is the stotr path that you should read while worshipping Maa Katyayani to seek her blessings:
Kanchanabha Varabhayan Padyadhara Muktojjwalan
Smermukhi Shivpatni Katyayanesute Namostute
Patambar Paridhanan Nanalankar Bhooshitam
Sinhasthita Padamhastan Katyayanesute Namostute
Parmavdamyi Devi Parbrahma Parmatma
Paramshakti, Parambhakti, Katyayanesutenamostute.
Happy Navratri to our readers!