Chaitra Navratri is an auspicious festival widely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. The nine-day celebration honours Maa Durga and her nine forms, known as Navadurgas, which include Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmcharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Sidhidatri.
During the festival, devotees worship Maa Durga and her nine forms, fast, consume satvik food, and ask for the goddess’s blessings. Today, we will talk about the sixth form of the Goddess Katyayani.
Who is Goddess Katyayani?
The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, the warrior Goddess who embodies the most intense form of Goddess Durga. She is also referred to as Mahishasur Mardini, meaning “the destroyer of the demon Mahishasur.” Devi Katyayani is depicted seated on a majestic lion adorned with four arms.
In her left hand, she holds a lotus flower and a sword, while her right hand is positioned in the Abhaya and Varada Mudras, symbolizing protection and blessing, respectively. Maa Katyayani is known to restore strength and courage, and it is believed that those who worship this form of Maa Durga receive her divine protection.
Maa Katyayani Temple | X/ @AnuSatheesh5
Where is Maa Katyayani temple situated?
The goddess Katyayani temple is situated in Mathura and Vrindavan. The temple is also considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. This temple is also known as Katyayani Shaktipeeth and Uma Shaktipeetha. According to the Hindu scriptures, it is believed that the hair of Goddess Sati had fallen here.
About Maa Katyayani temple
On the occasion of Navratri, lakhs of devotees from the country and abroad come here to have darshan of the goddess. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Radha also worshipped this Shakti Peeth to get Lord Krishna. It is also believed that Lord Krishna also worshipped Mata Katyayani.
Maa Katyayani | X/ @sanatanii_pooja
According to legends, Lord Krishna considered Maa Katyayani to be the Kuldevi and made an idol of the mother from the sand on the bank of the Yamuna, worshipping her. He killed the demon Kansa after worshipping the goddess. This temple was built in February 1923 by Swami Keshavanand.
