Introduction
Goddess Katyayani is the Sixth manifestation of Goddess Navdurga and one of the most fierce incarnations of Goddess Parvati. She slayed down the demon Mahishasur and therefore devotees worship her on the Sixth Day of Navratri.
Read this article to learn about her, the significance of her name, the story behind her birth, and the reason for being praised as Mahishasurmardani.
What Is The Meaning Of Name 'Katyayani'?
Mother Katyayani got this name because she decided to take birth in the Katyayana Leneage. The name (Katyayani) is formed with the association of 'Katya' and 'Yayani'. The first element 'Katya' is the name of a Rishi (sage) who belongs to the 'Yayan' lineage. Therefore the Rishi is famously called Rishi Katyayan.
Rishi Katyayan was a great devotee of Devi and wished to worship her as his daughter. Therefore, the goddess fulfilled the great wish of Rishi Katyayana and took birth in his home. Because the goddess appeared as his daughter in the Katyayana Lineage, She is known as 'Katyayani'.
What Is The Story Behind The Birth of Goddess Katyayani?
According to the Hindu Tales, there was a rishi named “Katyayan” born in the lineage of “Katya” who had a lot of splendid powers. He was a great devotee of the goddess and therefore wished the goddess as his daughter.
At the same time, a bovine demon called “Mahishasur” started to spread his terror everywhere. His atrocities made the Trinity (Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva) angry which emerged as energy in the form of radiation. Rishi Katyayan successfully crystallized this energy through his powers at his home. As a result of the transformation of this energy 'Goddess Katyayani' appeared in the divine form and agreed to be raised as his daughter.
As Rishi Katyayana personified the energy, he gave her the significant name 'Katyayani' and worshipped her for the first time as a goddess.
Goddess Katyayani Depiction
Goddess Katyayani is depicted as the most violent form of Goddess Durga. She mounts on a Lion and has ten hands. The hands can be extended up to eighteen adorned with Pasa, Khetaka, Ghanta, Parasu, Ankusa, Bana, Trishul Khadga, Chakra, and Saktyayudha in her hands.
She is red like an Atasi flower, has three eyes, and wears a Jatamukuta with a Crescent moon (Chandra-kala). She is youthful, bejeweled, and has beautiful eyes like the blue lotus.
Iconographies of Goddess Katyayani
Pasha (Thread)
Goddess Katyayani holds a Pasha in her left hand which is a thread-like weapon used for binding enemies. The Sanskrit word 'Pasha' means to 'Knot' or 'Loop' and so the characteristics of this weapon are. According to Hindu Tales, Yama Pash is the primary weapon of Lord Yama who uses it to bind the soul energy after the death of a body.
Khetaka (Shield)
Khetaka is another weapon that the goddess holds in her hand. It is a shield to protect from attack. It is either circular or quadrangular in shape and has a handle at the back for holding it. Sometimes, some emblems or devices are depicted on the face of Khetaka which makes it look attractive.
Image: Khetka (Source: India religion symbols iconography: elements of Hindu iconography by t. A. Gopinatha Rao, m.a. madras 1914)
Ghanta
Ghanta (Bell in English) has a very religious significance in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The bell is made of Astdhatu (Alloy of Eight Metals) and produces the auspicious sound of 'OM'. Therefore, The bell is widely used in every ritual practice in Hinduism to stop the negative energy coming into homes. It is believed that the auspicious sound of 'Ghanta' keeps the negative forces away from homes.
Parasu
Parasu is one of the most lethal combat weapons of epic that is used by most Hindu deities. It is the main weapon of Lord Parshuram (The Sixth Incarnation of Lord Vishnu). In addition to this, it is also the weapon of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Lord Ganesha.
Image: Parasu
Ankusa (Elephant Goad)
The Ankusa or the Elephant Goad is a kind of weapon that is used by Mahaot to control the movement of elephants and to stop them from going in the wrong direction. This is why the Ankusa is also known as Elephant Goad.
It consists of a large hook on the forehead that is attached to the wooden hand. It is the epic weapon of Goddess Katyayani and deities such as Lord Ganesha. The weapon becomes significantly important because it helps them to control their devotees from going in the wrong direction. Therefore, the weapon is considered as one of the Ashtamangala (Eight auspicious objects).
Image: Ankusa (Source- IMGBin)
Bow & Arrow,
Bow and Arrow are the primary weapons in the Indian subcontinent that remained relevant in all the periods from the ancient to the modern era. Both are supplements of each other and are the symbols of power and strength.
Both weapons represent the direction and purpose of life. Where the Bow represents the ability to pierce through negativity and destroy evil, the Arrow is the symbol of moving forward with a clear aim.
Chakra, Trishul, Khadga (Sword)
Chakra, Trishul, and Khadga are the main weapons of goddess Chandraghanta also. Click here to learn more about them.
Why Is Goddess Katyayani Referred to as 'Mahishasurmardani'?
According to the Hindu Texts, there was a demon named Rambha. She got married to a She-buffalo 'Mahishi'. As a result of their union a demon with the ancestral power to transform into a buffalo was born. As the demon has the characteristics of a demon and the power of buffalo, he is named 'Mahishasur (Mahisha + Asur)'.
Mahishasur was such a cruel demon that his atrocities made the trinity (Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva) angry. As a result of this, the anger of the trinity emerged as energy and traveled to Rishi Katyayana's home in the form of radiation. Rishi Katyayan successfully crystallized the energy at his home as a result of which the energy transformed into a divine figure. The divine figure was identified as Goddess Katyayani (one of the incarnations of Goddess Parvati).
She took birth to slay the demon Mahishasur. She fought for almost ten thousand years with him and the moment Mahishasur turned into a buffalo, she slayed down him immediately. As a result of slaying Mahishasur, the other god and goddess praised her by referring to 'Mahishasurmardani' means 'The slayer of Mahishasur'.
Image: Goddess Katyayini slaying Mahishasur
Temples Dedicated To Goddess Katyayani
Shri Adhya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir (Chhatarpur Temple), Delhi
Shri Adhya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir is famously known as Chhatarpur Mandir in Delhi. It was founded by Baba Sant Nagpal Ji (One of the Great Devotees of Goddess Katyayani) in 1974. It is situated in the Chatarpur region of South Delhi which is at a distance of 18 km from the New Railway Station Delhi.
This temple has well-known recognition in India and abroad because of its largest temple complexes and beautiful architecture. It was the 2nd biggest temple in India Before the Akshardham Temple was built in 2005.
Image: Shri Adhya Katyayani Shakteeth (Chhatarpur Temple), Delhi (Source- Official Website)
Note: Visit the Official Website of Shri Adhya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Temple, Delhi
Shri Katyayani Baneshwar Temple, Aversa
Shri Katyayani Baneshwar Temple is situated in the coastal town of Aversa near Ankola, Karnataka. The temple is built around 1600 AD in the shape of an upturned boat. Goddess Katyayani is the main deity here while other deities are also housed in this Temple. Lord Shiva in the form of Baneshwar Mahadev with Lord Ganesha also resides there in the temple.
It is believed that the Goddess Katyayani is the Kuladevi (Family Deity) to many Saraswat Brahmins (Konkani Gaud Saraswat Brahmins).
Image: Shri Katyayani Baneshwar Temple, Aversa (Source: Official Website)
Note: Visit the official website of Shri Katyayani Baneshwar Temple, Aversa
Who Are Saraswat Brahmins
Saraswat Brahmins are a sect of highly educated Hindu Brahmins spread all over India. The Skanada Puran mentions that Saraswat Brahmins are the people who resided on the banks of the Rigvedic River Saraswati. Hence, they derived the name 'Saraswat' from the name of the Saraswati River. Because they belong to the Brahmin sect in Hinduism They are referred to as 'Gaud Saraswat Brahmins'.
Various Groups of Saraswat Brahmins
Based on their place of settlement they divided into various groups by the time. These groups and their place of settlement are given as follows.
(a) Saraswats - Those who lived among the banks of the Saraswati River.
(b) Kanya Kbjas - Those Saraswat Brahmins who lived along the banks of the Ganga River.
(c) Gouds - Those Brahmins who lived on the banks of the Southern Ganga.
(d) Utkalas - Utkals are the Saraswat Brahmi who lived in Orissa.
(e) Mythilis -Mythila is a river in Bihar. Therefore, Saraswats who lived along the Mythila River of Bihar are called Utkalas Brahmins.
Katyayani Shaktipeeth Or Uma Shaktipeeth, Vrindavan
Katyayani Shaktipeeth or Shree Uma Shaktipeeth is one among the 51 Shaktipeeths situated on the premises of Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple at Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Goda Vihar, Vrindavan, UP. The temple was constructed by Yogiraj Swami Keshvanand in the year 1923.
It is believed that the hair ringlet of Mother Sati fell here at this place. Hence, She is worshipped here in the form of Goddess Uma (The other name of the goddess Parvati) while Bhuteshwar Mahadev refers to Lord Shiva who is the God (In Hindi 'Ishwar') of Bhoot (Ghosts).
Image: Shree Uma Shaktipeeth, Vrindavan (Source- Google Photos)
Goddess Katyayini is the main deity who resides with other deities Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Lord Laxmi Narayan, and Lord Surya.
The temple is associated with a very popular story that links to Lord Krishna in Dwapar Yug. According to the tales Maa Radharani along with other Gopikas of Braj worshipped goddess Katyayani on the bank of Yamuna to get lord Krishna as their husband. To this Lord Krishna performed his Leela with Gopikas here.
Katyayani Temple, Varanasi
Katyayani Durga Temple at Varanasi is located at Scindia Ghat on the premises of Atmaveereshwar Mahadev Temple.
Why Should You Worship Goddess Katyayani?
It is believed that Goddess Katyayani can solve marriage-related issues. She can fix the issues such as Marriage delay or Married Life obstacles. The unmarried girls worship Goddess Katyayani to seek her blessings for married life and to find a perfect partner for them.
According to the ancient stories, Maa Radharani and other Gopikas of Braj worshipped Goddess Katyayani to find Lord Krishna as their husband.
Highlights To Remember About Goddess Katyayani
(a) Goddess Katyayani is the Sixth manifestation of Navdurga worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri.
(b) She is the violent form of Goddess Durga.
(c) She took birth in the house of Rishi Katyayan so got the name 'Katyayani'.
(D) Her other name is 'Mahishasurmardani' because she slays a demon named 'Mahishasur'.
(e) Shri Adhya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir (Chhatarpur Temple), Delhi is the biggest temple of Maa Katyayayni in India.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Goddess Katyayani is the divine energy that can slay the obstacles in her devotee's life. Her blessings can offer you a boon for a happy and prosperous life.
FAQs
Q1. Why worship Goddess Katyayani?
Ans. Goddess Katyayani is the slayer of Mahishasur who is a representation of negative soil. Hence, she can slay the obstacles in your life by worshipping her. Also, unmarried girls worship Goddess Katyayani to seek her blessing to find a perfect match to marry.
Q2. Which one is the most violent form of Goddess Parvati?
Ans. Mother Parvati incarnated as Goddess Katyayani to slay the bovine demon Mahishasur. She is the most violent form of Maa Parvati.
Q3. Which goddess is the sixth manifestation or Avatar of Goddess Navdurga?
Ans. Maa Katyayani is the sixth manifestation of Goddess Navdura. Therefore, devotees worship her on the sixth day of Navratri.
