Katyayani Devi is a powerful and revered form of the Divine Mother Durga, specifically worshipped as one of the Navadurgas, the nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navaratri. She is considered the sixth form and is associated with fierce protection, victory over evil, and granting righteous desires—especially in matters of love and marriage.
🕉️ Who is Katyayani Devi?
Katyayani Devi is said to have been born from the collective anger of the gods to vanquish the demon Mahishasura. She emerged as a warrior goddess from the sage Katyayana’s penance, hence the name Katyayani.
- Name Meaning: “Katyayani” means “the one who was born in the ashram of Sage Katyayana.”
- She rides a lion and has four arms, usually holding a sword, lotus, and mudras (blessing gestures).
- She is radiant like the rising sun, symbolizing strength, courage, and justice.
🙏 Worship and Significance
🔹 In Navaratri (Day 6):
On the sixth day of Navaratri, devotees worship Katyayani to seek courage, willpower, and protection from negative forces.
🔹 For Marriage – The Katyayani Vrat (Vrata):
Katyayani Devi is especially revered by young unmarried girls seeking a suitable life partner. This practice dates back to the time of the gopis (cowherd girls) of Vrindavan who prayed to her to get Lord Krishna as their husband.
- Katyayani Vrata is observed in the month of Margashirsha (Nov–Dec) with daily worship, fasting, and chanting of mantras for 21 days.
- It is mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.22) where the gopis performed the vrat on the banks of the Yamuna River.
🔱 Mantra of Katyayani Devi
Here is a commonly recited Katyayani mantra for love and marriage:
कात्यायनि महामाये महायोगिन्यधीश्वरि।
नन्दगोपसुतं देवि पतिं मे कुरु ते नमः॥
Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadheeshwari,
Nandagopasutam Devi Patim Me Kuru Te Namah.
Meaning: O Goddess Katyayani, O great power, O mighty controller of the universe, please bless me with the son of Nanda (Krishna) as my husband.
🌼 Worship Rituals (Puja Vidhi)
- Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean or traditional attire.
- Set up a shrine with the image or idol of Katyayani.
- Offer flowers, kumkum, incense, sweets, and fruits.
- Chant the Katyayani mantra or recite Durga Saptashati (Chandi Path).
- On completion of the vrat (usually after 21 days), offer special naivedya (food offering) and donate to Brahmins or the poor.
🕊️ Benefits of Worshipping Katyayani Devi
- Fulfillment of marriage-related desires.
- Removal of obstacles in relationships or marriage (especially Manglik dosha or delayed marriage).
- Inner courage, confidence, and spiritual strength.
- Victory over negative forces, including fear, doubt, and external enemies.
🌸 Katyayani in Modern Devotion
Even today, many devotees—especially women—worship Katyayani Devi during special pujas, Navaratri, or Monday fasts, praying for divine blessings in their personal lives, protection, and peace.
