Worship of Goddess Katyayani on the Sixth Day of Navratri: Rituals and Significance Explained

New Delhi, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : On the sixth day of Navratri, devotees honor Goddess Katyayani, the sixth form of Goddess Durga. This day is significant for those seeking prosperity and the fulfillment of desires. The chief priest of the Kalka Ji Temple emphasized the importance of this day, particularly for unmarried women wishing to marry.

Mahant Surendranath Awdhoot, the chief priest, elaborated on the significance of Goddess Katyayani. According to mythology, Sage Katyayana, a descendant of Rishi Kat, performed intense penance to please the Divine Mother. He prayed for her to be born as his daughter. Pleased by his devotion, the Goddess incarnated as his daughter, earning the name Katyayani.

Describing her form, Mahant Awdhoot noted that Goddess Katyayani rides a lion and has four arms. She holds a lotus flower in one hand, a shining sword in another, while the third hand is in the Abhay Mudra and the fourth in the Varada Mudra.

He explained that Katyayani is a powerful and radiant deity, always ready to vanquish evil forces. She is particularly benevolent towards her devotees, especially unmarried girls, and is worshipped as the giver of suitable husbands.

Traditionally, it is believed that in the Dwapara Yuga, Goddess Rukmini worshipped Katyayani to win Lord Krishna as her husband. There is a sacred mantra for unmarried women seeking a suitable partner: “Om Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadhishvari, Nandagopasutam Devi Patim Me Kuru Te Namah. Swaha.” Reciting this mantra with devotion is said to help women find the right match and remove obstacles to their marital life.

Mahant Awdhoot added that any devotee who sincerely praises the mantra “Chandrahasonjvalakara Shardulavaravahana, Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavghatini” will receive blessings from the Goddess, fulfilling their heartfelt wishes.