Maa Katyayani: The Sixth Goddess Of Navratri

Maa Katyayani is the sixth form amongst Navadurga or the nine forms of Maa Parvati, worshiped during the Navratri celebrations. Maa Parvati took the form of Katayayani to destroy the demon Mahishasura. Maa Katyayani was the most violent form of Maa Parvati. In this form, Maa Parvati appears as a Warrior Goddess.

According to mythology Maa Parvati was born at the home of sage Katya and due to which this form of Maa Parvati is known as Katyayani. Maa Katyayani rides on the lion and depicted with four hands. Maa Katyayani carries lotus flower and sword in her left hands and keeps her right hands in Abhaya and Varada Mudras. It is believed that the Brihaspati is governed by Maa Katyayani.

Mantra –

ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥

Prarthana –

चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।

कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥

Temples -

Shri Katyayani Baneshwar Temple, Aversa, Karnataka

Sri Katyayani Peeth Temple, Vrindavan

Sri Katyayani Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Chhatarpur Temple, Delhi

Sri Kartyayani Temple, Kerala

Sri Katyayani Shakthipeeth Arbuda Devi Temple, Rajasthan

Sri Kathyayini Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu