Navratri, the nine-night festival devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga in her various forms, holds immense significance in Hindu culture. One of the fiercest and most revered among these forms is Devi Katyayani, who is worshipped during the sacred occasion of Navratri. Let’s delve deeper into the divine realm of Devi Katyayani and her enduring legends:

Who is Devi Katyayani?

Goddess Katyayani stands as a symbol of fierce determination and strength among the Nava Durga’s manifestations. During Navratri, she takes center stage in our prayers. This highly revered form of Goddess Durga is known for her role in destroying evil forces. Iconographically, she is depicted with four arms, holding a long sword in one hand, while the other two hold lotuses. Her fourth hand is extended in the Abhaya mudra, bestowing blessings upon her devotees.

The Legend of Goddess Katyayani

The legend of Devi Katyayani harks back to a sage named ‘Kat,’ whose offspring was named ‘Katya.’ Over time, Katya’s descendants led to the birth of Sage ‘Katyayan,’ who was childless. In his quest for a child, Sage Katyayan engaged in intense penance, praying to the gods. Meanwhile, the malevolent spirit Mahishasura wreaked havoc, tormenting the gods relentlessly. 

Seeking a solution, the divine trinity of Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma emitted flames that coalesced into the formidable form of Goddess Katyayani. She was born to put an end to Mahishasura’s reign of terror, endowed with an extraordinary appearance, including three eyes and eighteen hands, radiant as a thousand suns. Each god gifted her a weapon to vanquish Mahishasura. Goddess Katyayani, mounted on a lion, embarked on her mission to the Vindhya Mountains, where the demon resided.

The Birth of Mahishasura

Mahishasura’s origins are equally intriguing. His father, Rambha, was the king of demons (asuras) who fell in love with Princess Mahishi, cursed to become a water buffalo. ‘Mahisha’ means buffalo in Sanskrit, and Mahishasura was born from the union of Rambha and Mahishi. His unique lineage allowed him to shapeshift between the forms of an asura and a buffalo.

The Defeat of Mahishasura

A fierce battle unfolded between Ma Katyayani and Mahishasura, culminating in his beheading by her sword. This victory is celebrated as Durga Puja across various regions of India, with Goddess Katyayani also referred to as Mahishasuramardini, the slayer of Mahishasura.

Legends from the Bhagavata Purana

The Bhagavata Purana narrates how young eligible girls in Gokula observed a fast throughout the month of Margashirsha, praying to Goddess Katyayani for Lord Krishna as their consort. They sculpted an idol of the goddess from clay and worshipped it. This tradition continues to this day, with young girls fasting and praying to receive worthy spouses. In Tamil Nadu, Devi Kanya Kumari, a virgin goddess, represents Ma Katyayani and is venerated during Pongal, coinciding with Makar Sankranti.

Why Unmarried Girls Worship Katyayani Mata?

Devi Katyayani, the sixth Navratri Devi, is believed to bless unmarried girls with their desired life partners. It is said that by chanting the Katyayani Mantra for Marriage, along with the “Om Katyayani Mahamaye” Mantra, 108 times, unmarried women can fulfill their wish of getting married to the most compatible partner. These mantras are known to be highly efficacious. Even married couples experiencing marital issues can chant the Katyayani Mata Mantra to restore peace and love to their relationship.

How to Perform Devi Katyayani Puja?

Performing the Katyayani Puja is a sacred endeavor that requires attention to detail and devotion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting the puja:

• Cleanse the designated puja area thoroughly, ensuring a pure and sanctified space.
• Adorn the puja area with a red cloth, as Goddess Katyayani is associated with the color red.
• Begin with self-purification through Aatma Pujan, chanting the purifying mantra “Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarvavastham Gatoapi Va, Yah Smrait Pundarika Aksham Sa Vahy Abhyantarah Shuchih.“
• Apply a tilak (Tika) on your forehead.
• Partake in Aachman, drinking holy water while reciting mantras to purify yourself.
• Make a Sankalp, a heartfelt wish, while offering prayers to invoke Katyayani Mata’s presence.
• Offer fresh flowers to the goddess.
• Bathe the idol with a combination of milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, and holy water (Panchamrit).
• Perform a holy bath with sandalwood and agarwood-infused water.
• Adorn the goddess with ornaments and a saree.
• Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks, offering fragrant fumes to the deity.
• Present a thali of Naivedya (food platter) to Katyayani Mata.
• Sing the Katyayani Mata Aarti and offer flowers.
• Conclude the puja with Namaskara and a request for forgiveness.
• It is also customary to include honey in the Prasad offerings when worshipping Devi Katyayani.

Benefits of Performing Devi Katyayani Puja

The worship of Devi Katyayani brings about numerous benefits, such as:

• Resolving obstacles that delay marriage.
• Promoting harmony and peace in married life.
• Alleviating the effects of Mangalik Dosha in one’s birth chart.
• Bestowing success in higher education and professional endeavors.

Mantras for Devi Katyayani

Chanting mantras holds profound significance in worshipping Devi Katyayani:

Devi Katyayani Beej Mantra

Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadheeshwari, Nandgopsutam Devipatim Me Kurute Namah!

Katyayani Mata Mantra

Om Hring Katyaynyai Swaha, Hring Shring Katyaynyai Swaha!

Parvati Mantra for delayed marriage

Hey Gauri Shankarardhangi Yatha Tvam Shankarpriyaa, Tatha Mam Kuru Kalyaani Kaantkatam Sudurlabhaam!

Surya Mantra for delay in marriage

Om Devendrani Namastubhyam Devendrapriya Bhamini, Vivaaham BhagyaDevirogyam Sheeghralabham Cha Dehi Me!

Katyayani Devi Mantra for Marriage

Om Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadhisvari, Nandgopasut Devi Patim Me KuruTe Namah!

Benefits of Chanting Mantras

Mantras are potent tools that resonate on a higher spiritual plane. Chanting the Katyayani mantras creates vibrations that:

• Resolve conflicts within marriages.
• Foster love and harmony in relationships.
• Remove obstacles from one’s path.
• Pave the way for a successful career.
• Aid in finding a suitable life partner.

Navchandi Maha Puja at Rudralife

Navchandi Maha Puja is a special nine-day celebration organized during Navratri, with precise timings guided by the auspicious Muhurat.

Our dedicated team of two pandits, under the planetary influence of Ketu, will lead you through this divine journey. Navratri, an ode to the nine forms of Adi Shakti Devi Durga, embodies profound spiritual significance. This festival, following the lunar calendar, signifies the arrival of both spring and autumn.

Each day, we pay homage to one of Devi Durga’s incarnations, commencing with Devi Shailputri and concluding in grandeur on the tenth day. These rituals, prayers, and introspection encourage new beginnings and spiritual purification.

As a special note, we cherish Rudraksha beads, particularly the 9 Mukhi Rudraksha, believed to carry Devi Durga’s blessings. Wear or gift these beads during Navratri for spiritual elevation.

Our comprehensive Puja includes various rituals, such as Abhishek, Mantra Japa, Homam, and Aarti, to seek the blessings of Devi Durga and invoke her divine grace for prosperity and spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the worship of Devi Katyayani during Navratri is a sacred and transformative practice. By understanding her divine essence and following the prescribed rituals, devotees can tap into her strength, blessings, and guidance to overcome obstacles, find love, and lead fulfilling lives.

To watch this year’s LIVE Devi Katyayani Puja, click here.

If you wish to organize a Sankalp Puja for yourself or participate in the upcoming Pujas, message us via WhatsApp on +91-72088 19922.