Introduction

You all are heartily welcomed to the holy festival of Navratri! Today we will learn about the sixth form of Goddess Durga, Maa Katyayini. The form of Maa Katyayini is considered to remove all the troubles of the devotees and provide amazing power. Come, let us know the story, worship method and mantra related to them.

Who is Maa Katyayini?

Maa Katyayini is the sixth form of Goddess Durga. According to mythology, the devotee Katyayan Rishi had performed severe penance to get Maa Durga as a daughter, due to which Maa was pleased and took birth in his ashram.

Story of Maa Katyayini

• Penance of Rishi Katyayan:  Maharishi Katyayan wanted to get Adishakti Goddess Durga as his daughter. He performed rigorous penance, due to which Goddess Durga was pleased and blessed him to be born in his house.
• Atrocities of Mahishasura:  At the same time a demon named Mahishasura started committing atrocities. All the gods together created Goddess Durga.
• Birth of Mother Katyayini:  At this time, Goddess Durga was born in the house of Maharishi Katyayani and she was named Katyayini. The name Katyayini was named after her father’s Gotra.
• Mahishasura Killed:  When Katyayini Devi became young, she fought with Mahishasura and killed him. Another name of Mother Katyayini is Mahishasurmardini.

Symbolism of Maa Katyayini form

The form of Maa Katyayini has a very deep meaning and importance. Some of the major symbols and their meanings associated with them are as follows:

• Leo:  The vehicle of Mother Katyayini is the lion, which is a symbol of strength, courage, and fearlessness. This tells that Mother Katyayini fills the devotees with these qualities.
• Four Arms:  The four hands of Maa Katyayini, spread in four directions, symbolize her power and protection. These demonstrate his ability to protect the devotees from all directions.
• Sword:  The sword symbolizes cutting of ignorance and victory over evil. This shows that Maa Katyayini removes all the negativity in the lives of her devotees.
• Lotus:  The lotus flower in the goddess’s hand symbolizes purity, spiritual growth, and the ability to rise above life’s challenges.
• Abhaya and Varada Mudras:  Abhaya Mudra reassures the devotees, telling them that the Goddess is always with them and will dispel their fears. Varada Mudra is symbolic of granting wishes and blessings.

Maa Katyayini Puja Method

Mother Katyayini is worshiped on the sixth day of Navratri.

• First of all, install a beautiful idol or picture of Goddess Katyayini.
• Give them a bath and offer them clean clothes.
• Worship the Mother Goddess with devotion with yellow flowers, fruits, naivedya, sandalwood, roli, incense sticks etc.
• Recite Katyayini Mantra and Aarti.

Maa Katyayini Mantra

Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah.

Glory of Maa Katyayini

• By worshiping Maa Katyayini, devotees get health, wealth and happiness.
• The Goddess removes all the sins of the devotees and grants them victory over their enemies.
• The wishes of those girls who are facing obstacles in their marriage are fulfilled by the devotion of Mother Katyayini.

Devotees’ Experiences: Success Stories

• “Last year, I worshiped Maa Katyayini during Navratri. My daughter was not able to get married for a long time. By the grace of her mother, she got a good groom within a few months. ” – Sangeeta Devi, Ghaziabad
• “My business was incurring huge losses. After fasting and worshiping Goddess Katyayini, I got relief from financial crisis. I am always grateful for the blessings of Mother Katyayini.” – Vijay Kumar, Delhi

Benefits of the blessings of Mother Katyayini:

• One gets victory over enemies and freedom from fear.
• Obstacles coming in marriage are removed.
• One attains happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life.
• Diseases are destroyed and devotees remain healthy.

Sixth day of Navratri: Dedicated to Mother Katyayini

In Navratri, worship of ‘Ajna Chakra’ along with the form of Mother Katyayini has special significance in Yoga.

Let us now know how it is connected to the Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra) located in the yoga of Mother Katyayani, who is worshiped on the sixth day of Navratri.

Ajna Chakra and its importance:

Ajna Chakra is one of the seven major chakras located in our body. It is located between the eyebrows and is associated with intuition, wisdom, and clear thinking. An awakened Ajna Chakra helps us make better decisions, introspect, and spiritual growth.

Relation of Maa Katyayini and Ajna Chakra:

Mother Katyayini is considered a symbol of both knowledge and power. Worshiping them and meditating on them awakens the Ajna Chakra. This gives the following benefits to the person:

• Development of intuition:  Worship of Mother Katyayini increases the power of intuition, which helps in taking right decisions.
• Depth of meditation:  With the grace of Mother Katyayini, the depth of meditation increases and attaining spiritual experiences becomes possible.
• Clarity of mind:  Worship of Mother Katyayini reduces the restlessness of the mind and brings clarity.
• Self-confidence:  Strong Ajna Chakra increases self-confidence, which helps in achieving goals.

How to worship Maa Katyayini to awaken the Ajna Chakra?

• Meditation:  Meditate on Mother Katyayini and imagine divine light emanating from her third eye, awakening your Ajna Chakra.
• Chanting Mantra:  Chant Katyayini Mantra “Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah”. While chanting, concentrate between the eyebrows.
• Use of yellow color:  Yellow color is the color of Ajna Chakra. Wear yellow clothes and offer yellow flowers during the puja.

By worshiping Maa Katyayini on the sixth day of Navratri, you can not only get her blessings but also awaken your Ajna Chakra, which leads to spiritual growth and success in life.

All the works of those who worship Mother Katyayini with true heart are accomplished. Today, let us bow our heads at the feet of Mother Katyayini and seek her blessings.