On the sixth day of Navratri, the Katyayani form of Goddess Durga is worshipped. On this day, crowds of devotees begin to gather in temples right from the morning, offering fruits, flowers, and yellow-coloured sweets as Bhog. She is revered as the presiding deity of the universe. It is believed that for any devotee who worships her with complete faith and observes a fast, all obstacles hindering their marriage are removed. Furthermore, worshipping her enables an individual to gain control over their senses. Goddess Katyayani, the destroyer of sins, is also known as Mahishasuramardini. Let us first understand why the sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga is referred to as Mother Katyayani.
The Story of Maa Katyayani and Mahishasura
This manifestation of Maa Durga—a symbol of righteousness, dignity, courage, and justice—is imbued with divine power. According to mythological legends, a demon named Mahishasura inflicted immense devastation upon the celestial realm, defeated the gods, and usurped their dominion. In fact, Mahishasura had undertaken rigorous spiritual practices and penance. After years of intense asceticism, he received a boon from Lord Brahma. According to this boon, it would be impossible to defeat him in battle; not even the gods would be able to vanquish him.
Upon receiving this assurance, Mahishasura’s arrogance grew exponentially, leading him to begin tormenting the gods. Before long, he had established his absolute authority over the celestial realm. Consequently, the gods became deeply distressed. They sought the assistance of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahadev to resolve this dire situation. In response, a radiant light manifested, and Goddess Katyayani was born in the home of Sage Katyayana.
Birth story of Maa Katyayani
According to the Puranas, Sage Katyayana was childless. Through intense penance, he had expressed a fervent desire to have Mother Bhagavati herself as his daughter. It is believed that, pleased by his unwavering devotion, Mother Bhagavati incarnated as his daughter.
During this period, the reign of terror unleashed by the demon Mahishasura had intensified across all three realms. Chaos and distress prevailed everywhere. It is believed that Sage Katyayana worshipped and revered the Goddess following her birth. Subsequently, she liberated the world from the terror of Mahishasura. For this very reason, she is also revered by the name *Mahishasuramardini* (the Slayer of Mahishasura).
The Battle Between Mother Katyayani and the Demon Mahishasura
Advancing from the hills of Mysore to engage in battle, Mother Katyayani captivated Mahishasura with her divine beauty; mesmerized, the demon transformed his appearance and manifested before Mother Bhagavati in the guise of a bull. The demon sought to claim Mother Katyayani as his own by achieving victory in the ensuing war. Thereupon, Mother Durga, mounted upon her lion, confronted Mahishasura. A fierce battle raged between the two for a prolonged period. The intense conflict continued for several days, during which Mahishasura repeatedly shifted his form in an attempt to confuse the Goddess. When Mahishasura appeared in the form of a bull, the Goddess mounted him and struck a forceful blow to his neck with her foot.
Stunned by the impact, he collapsed unconscious to the ground; the Goddess then severed his head with her sword. By vanquishing the demons, Mother Katyayani demonstrated her immense power and valor, thereby restoring equilibrium to the universe. The celestial deities, overjoyed by this victory, subsequently returned to their heavenly abode.
Maa Katyayani is also revered as the presiding deity of the Braj region
For devotees who worship the Goddess with sincere devotion, fear, tribulations, and obstacles naturally begin to dissipate from their lives. She is also known as the Goddess who brings the senses under control, and she grants her devotees their heart’s desires. According to legends, the Gopis (cowherd maidens) of the Braj region once worshipped Mother Katyayani on the banks of the Kalindi River with the specific intent of attaining Lord Krishna as their husband. It is for this reason that she is also acclaimed as the presiding deity of Braj. Those who face recurring obstacles in their marriage prospects should worship Mother Katyayani; doing so not only ensures harmony in marital relationships but also facilitates the attainment of a suitable spouse.
How to Worship Mother Katyayani
During the worship of the Goddess, yellow flowers and fruits are offered. Wearing red and yellow attire on this day is also considered auspicious. The *Godhuli* period (twilight) is considered the most ideal time for her worship. During this time, incense, lamps, and *Guggul* (aromatic resin) are offered. Additionally, turmeric is also presented. Offering fragrant flowers during the *Puja* is believed to help resolve difficulties encountered in marriage.
What to Offer as Bhog to Mother Katyayani
During the worship, offer yellow fruits and sweets as *Bhog* (sacred food offering). Furthermore, offering honey as *Bhog* is considered highly auspicious. Additionally, to please the Goddess, offering guavas and *Paan* (betel leaf preparation) infused with honey is also considered extremely propitious.
Aarti of Maa Kaytayani
जय जय अम्बे जय कात्यायनी। जय जग माता जग की महारानी॥
बैजनाथ स्थान तुम्हारा। वहावर दाती नाम पुकारा॥
कई नाम है कई धाम है। यह स्थान भी तो सुखधाम है॥
हर मन्दिर में ज्योत तुम्हारी। कही योगेश्वरी महिमा न्यारी॥
हर जगह उत्सव होते रहते। हर मन्दिर में भगत है कहते॥
कत्यानी रक्षक काया की। ग्रन्थि काटे मोह माया की॥
झूठे मोह से छुडाने वाली। अपना नाम जपाने वाली॥
बृहस्पतिवार को पूजा करिये। ध्यान कात्यानी का धरिये॥
हर संकट को दूर करेगी। भण्डारे भरपूर करेगी॥
जो भी माँ को भक्त पुकारे। कात्यायनी सब कष्ट निवारे॥
Maa Katyayani Chalisa
॥ श्री कात्यायनी चालीसा ॥
।।दोहा।
जय कात्यायनी माँ,
जय महिषासुर मारिणी।
सुर नर मुनि आराधित,
जय मंगल करिणी॥
चौपाई
जय जय अंबे जय कात्यायनी।
जय महिषासुर घातिनी दानी।।
ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, शिव जी ध्यावैं।
शक्ति शक्ति सब जगत बनावैं॥
रक्तदंतिका और अन्नपूर्णा।
माँ कात्यायनी हैं सम्पूर्णा॥
कात्यायन ऋषि मुनि के आश्रय।
कात्यायनी माँ सबके बासय॥
भय, संकट हरिणी तुही माता।
भक्तों के दुःख हरती आपा॥
जो कोई तेरी शरण में आवे।
मनवांछित फल वह नर पावे॥
ध्यान धार जो कोई नारी।
कात्यायनी पूर्ण सुखकारी।।
कुमारी पुजा जो नित ध्यावें।
अविवाहित जीवन न बितावे॥
हर युग में मां तू सहाय।
जो भी भक्त करे मन लाय॥
।।दोहा।
कात्यानी मां तेरी महिमा।
सतयुमग त्रेता हो या द्वापर।।
सिंह सवारी माँभवानी।
जय-जय-जय अम्बे भवानी॥
॥इति श्री कात्यायनी चालीसा सम्पूर्ण॥
चैत्र नवरात्रि दुर्गा पूजा 2026 बुक करने के लिए क्लिक करें।
