Katyayani
Devi is
worshipped
as
sixth
form of Goddess Parvathi on the sixth day of the
Navaratri. As per Hinduism, the form of Katyayani
was adorned by Goddess Parvathi to destroy
Mahishasura who was a ferocious demon.
Katyayani is known to be the fiercest
face of the
Goddess and she is termed as the Warrior
Goddess who fought against the evil and
destroyed it completely. She is felicitated with various names such as Bhadrakali, Durga and
Chandrika that speaks about her fearless form.
Depiction in scriptures
The Goddess appears in various Holy Scriptures as a symbol of Shakti (strength), knowledge, victory of good over evil and courage. She holds a prominent place in Hinduism and inspires devotees, especially female worshippers to face challenges and perceives the inherent strength within. One of the earliest references to Her have also been found in the Taittiriya Aranyaka part of the Krishna Yajurveda. She is also depicted in holy texts like DeviBhagavata Purana, Devi Mahatmyam, a section of the Markandeya Purana. Texts attributed to Buddhism and Jainism, Kalika Purana also mention Her vividly. Chapter 22 in the 10th Canto of the Bhagavata Purana speaks of Katyayani Vrata, where young marriageable gopis of Vrindavan would take bath in the river Yamuna and worship Katyayani. They observed a vrata throughout the month of Margashirsha to get Lord Krishna as their husband. Katyayani-vrata, a fast for a whole month is also observed and oerings like sandal, owers and incense are made by girls to marry the person they want.
Mythology
According to ancient legends, she was born a daughter of Katyayana Rishi, born in the Katya lineage originating from Vishwamitra, thus called Katyayani, "daughter of Katyayana". Elsewhere in texts like Kalika Purana, it is mentioned that it was Rishi Kaytyayana who first worshipped her, hence she came to known as Katyayani. In either case, she is a demonstration or apparition of the Durga and is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri festival.
The Vamana Purana mentions the legend of her creation in great detail: "When the gods had sought Vishnu in their distress, he and at his command Shiva, Brahma and the other gods, emitted such flames from their eyes and countenances that a mountain of effulgence was formed, from which became manifest Katyayini, refulgent as a thousand suns, having three eyes, black hair and eighteen arms. Shiva gave her his trident, Vishnu a Sudarshan Chakra or discus, Varuna a shankha, a conch-shell, Agni a dart, Vayu a bow, Surya a quiver full of arrows, Indra a thunderbolt, Kuvera a mace, Brahma a rosary and water-pot, Kala a shield and sword, Visvakarma a battle-axe and other weapons. Thus armed and adored by the gods, Katyayani proceeded to the Mysore hills. There, the asuras saw her and captivated by her beauty they so described her to Mahishasura, their king, that he was anxious to obtain her. On asking for her hand, she told him she must be won in fight. He came and fought; at length Durga dismounted from her lion, and sprang upon the back of Mahisha, who was in the form of a buffalo and with her tender feet so smote him on the head that he fell to the ground senseless, when she cut off his head with her sword and hence was called Mahishasuramardini, the Slayer of Mahishasura., the legend also finds mention in Varaha Purana and the classical text of Shaktism, the Devi-Bhagavata Purana.
As per Karveer Mahatmya, Katyayani accompanied goddess Durga(Mahalakshmi) to Karvir (town)(present day Kolhapur) and participated in the war against demon Kolhasur. Raktabeej, an aide of Kolhasur, possessed a power (Siddhi) whereby every drop of his blood spilled on earth would give rise to a demon. Due to this power, Bhairava was finding it impossible to kill Raktabeej. Katyayani swallowed all of Raktabeej's blood without letting it fall on earth. She created an Amrut Kunda(tank of nectar) to rejuvenate Bhairava's soldiers, thus playing a crucial role in the war. Her temple to the South of Kolhapur commemorates this.
According to Tantras, she revealed through the North face, which is one six Faces of Shiva. This face is blue in colour and with three eyes and also revealed the Devis, Dakshinakalika, Mahakali, Guhyakah, Smashanakalika, Bhadrakali, Ekajata, Ugratara(fierce Tara), Taritni, Chhinnamasta, Nilasarasvati(Blue Saraswati), Durga, Jayadurga, Navadurga, Vashuli, Dhumavati, Vishalakshi, Parvati, Bagalamukhi, Pratyangira, Matangi, Mahishasuramardini, their rites and Mantras.
Elsewhere in history, Katyayani (not the form of parvaty) and Maitreyi are mentioned as a wives of Sage Yajnavalkya(याज्ञवल्क्य) of Vedic India, credited with the authorship of the Shatapatha Brahmana.
Legends associated with Katyayani
A great legend is associated with the creation of the great Goddess Katyayani. The atrocities of the demon Mahishasura were assuming gigantic proportions. So powerful and evil was he that he aimed at destruction of the earth as well as the gods. Goddess Durga (Katyayani), equipped with powers and weapons from Gods, confronted the demon to ght him. He began changing his forms, one of which was that of a bualo. This legend has also been narrated in dierent ways, but the end result and the moral remain the same. The world and the gods were saved from annihilation in the hands of Mahishasura and a great divine female personality came to be worshipped devotedly.
Spirtual Beliefs
Goddess Katyayani Devi is been paid respect in many Holy Scriptures symbolized as Goddess of Strength, knowledge and courage as she is gained victory of good over evil. She has always been worshipped by the Hindus and has a respectful place in the Hinduism. It is said that her followers always inherit inner strength while facing the society. Her presence is found in many Holy Scriptures, puranas and vedas. There are her glimpses found in the texts attributed by the Jainism and Buddhism. It is said that the worshippers specically marriageable girls follow Katyayani Vratha for one month in order to get a husband as good as Lord Krishna. During this, the goddess is worshipped every day and sandal, incense and owers are oered by the devotees.
It is said that the Goddess Katyayani has special place for women and girls. Thus, during Pongal in the part of Tamil Nadu,young girls pray for the prosperity of the place throughout the month. The idol of Goddess Katyayani is carved from wet sand and worshipped during these period. The Goddess said to be possessing three eyes and eight hands and is a removal of all the negative forces from the place where it is worshipped. She is also worshipped on various form in the Northern Part of India and specically as Durga. Goddess Katyayani is remembered even in chants that are for the victory of good over evil, while starting a new business, possession of a new house and start of a new life.
Benefits of worshipping Maa Katyayani
Devi Kanya Kumari (associated with Kanya Kumari, the southernmost tip of India, is believed to be an incarnation of Katyayani. During Pongal, the harvest festival observed in Tamil Nadu, young girls pray for abundance, rain and prosperity throughout the month. The idol of Goddess Katyayani, carved out of wet sand is worshipped, which is believed to shower upon girls whatever they ask for.
The word Katyayani also species the power to remove severity, pride and negative forces that befall an individual. Katyayani also implies destruction of ego that results in great struggles and suerings of the weak. She has three eyes and eight hands, which are an inherent part of ght against evil put up by Her. Worship of Katyayani is not restricted to women alone; males too can oer obeisance to Her to win love and marriage. Taking recourse to mantras and yantras dedicated to the Goddess are a sure way to attain love and Her blessings.
While earlier Gopis used to fast for an entire month, nowadays the ritual goes on from anywhere between 21 to 41 days. Young girls worship Maa Katyayani for the purpose of timely marriage. While performing the rituals, nine minor girls and three small boys are worshiped as well, in order to please this Devi and obtain her blessings.
While the Devi herself wears a yellow saree on this day, it is suggested that devotees should adorn themselves in orange color ethnic wear. Since the puja is done for the purpose of timely marriage, it is significant for girls to wear clothes that are orange in color.
Temple
Shri Katyayani Devi mandir is a mesmerizing Hindu temple devoted to goddess Katyayani. The temple is situated in Bakor in ta-Khanpur adjacent to Mahisagar district, which is just 3 km far away from Kaleshwari. The goddess Katyayani, which is one of the parts of Navdurga, is deliberated to be the 6th form of goddess Durga. Devotees from all caste and religion are greeted here.The temple has been built in north Indian architecture and is located in Gujarat. The temple is crafted with attractive and polished marbles which are spread over 70 acres consisting of 5 small & large temples divided into three different complexes. The temple complex also has other temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Sai, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva.The focus of attraction of this temple is the idol figure of Devi Katyayani. It says that one & only idol in the form of stone.
Numerous festivals are celebrated here along with the auspicious festival of Navrati. The 5th day of Navrati is to be the day of arrival of Devi Katyayani. If you are planning to visit Bakor; try your best to visit Devi Katyayani's temple. The goddess Katyayani in Bakor takes the important place in the pre-historical period.
Devi Katyayani, who already resided here and come forward to welcome goddess Katyayani. Goddess DeviKatyayni is having very compassionaterelations. Even now every day during the morning Aarti at Bakor temple Devi Katyayani is supposed to be present every day ,When you visit that temple feel the greatness of Devi Katyayani, you get blessed, and full peace of mind.
Depiction in scriptures
The Goddess appears in various Holy Scriptures as a symbol of Shakti (strength), knowledge, victory of good over evil and courage. She holds a prominent place in Hinduism and inspires devotees, especially female worshippers to face challenges and perceives the inherent strength within. One of the earliest references to Her have also been found in the Taittiriya Aranyaka part of the Krishna Yajurveda. She is also depicted in holy texts like DeviBhagavata Purana, Devi Mahatmyam, a section of the Markandeya Purana. Texts attributed to Buddhism and Jainism, Kalika Purana also mention Her vividly. Chapter 22 in the 10th Canto of the Bhagavata Purana speaks of Katyayani Vrata, where young marriageable gopis of Vrindavan would take bath in the river Yamuna and worship Katyayani. They observed a vrata throughout the month of Margashirsha to get Lord Krishna as their husband. Katyayani-vrata, a fast for a whole month is also observed and oerings like sandal, owers and incense are made by girls to marry the person they want.
Mythology
According to ancient legends, she was born a daughter of Katyayana Rishi, born in the Katya lineage originating from Vishwamitra, thus called Katyayani, "daughter of Katyayana". Elsewhere in texts like Kalika Purana, it is mentioned that it was Rishi Kaytyayana who first worshipped her, hence she came to known as Katyayani. In either case, she is a demonstration or apparition of the Durga and is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri festival.
The Vamana Purana mentions the legend of her creation in great detail: "When the gods had sought Vishnu in their distress, he and at his command Shiva, Brahma and the other gods, emitted such flames from their eyes and countenances that a mountain of effulgence was formed, from which became manifest Katyayini, refulgent as a thousand suns, having three eyes, black hair and eighteen arms. Shiva gave her his trident, Vishnu a Sudarshan Chakra or discus, Varuna a shankha, a conch-shell, Agni a dart, Vayu a bow, Surya a quiver full of arrows, Indra a thunderbolt, Kuvera a mace, Brahma a rosary and water-pot, Kala a shield and sword, Visvakarma a battle-axe and other weapons. Thus armed and adored by the gods, Katyayani proceeded to the Mysore hills. There, the asuras saw her and captivated by her beauty they so described her to Mahishasura, their king, that he was anxious to obtain her. On asking for her hand, she told him she must be won in fight. He came and fought; at length Durga dismounted from her lion, and sprang upon the back of Mahisha, who was in the form of a buffalo and with her tender feet so smote him on the head that he fell to the ground senseless, when she cut off his head with her sword and hence was called Mahishasuramardini, the Slayer of Mahishasura., the legend also finds mention in Varaha Purana and the classical text of Shaktism, the Devi-Bhagavata Purana.
As per Karveer Mahatmya, Katyayani accompanied goddess Durga(Mahalakshmi) to Karvir (town)(present day Kolhapur) and participated in the war against demon Kolhasur. Raktabeej, an aide of Kolhasur, possessed a power (Siddhi) whereby every drop of his blood spilled on earth would give rise to a demon. Due to this power, Bhairava was finding it impossible to kill Raktabeej. Katyayani swallowed all of Raktabeej's blood without letting it fall on earth. She created an Amrut Kunda(tank of nectar) to rejuvenate Bhairava's soldiers, thus playing a crucial role in the war. Her temple to the South of Kolhapur commemorates this.
According to Tantras, she revealed through the North face, which is one six Faces of Shiva. This face is blue in colour and with three eyes and also revealed the Devis, Dakshinakalika, Mahakali, Guhyakah, Smashanakalika, Bhadrakali, Ekajata, Ugratara(fierce Tara), Taritni, Chhinnamasta, Nilasarasvati(Blue Saraswati), Durga, Jayadurga, Navadurga, Vashuli, Dhumavati, Vishalakshi, Parvati, Bagalamukhi, Pratyangira, Matangi, Mahishasuramardini, their rites and Mantras.
Elsewhere in history, Katyayani (not the form of parvaty) and Maitreyi are mentioned as a wives of Sage Yajnavalkya(याज्ञवल्क्य) of Vedic India, credited with the authorship of the Shatapatha Brahmana.
Legends associated with Katyayani
A great legend is associated with the creation of the great Goddess Katyayani. The atrocities of the demon Mahishasura were assuming gigantic proportions. So powerful and evil was he that he aimed at destruction of the earth as well as the gods. Goddess Durga (Katyayani), equipped with powers and weapons from Gods, confronted the demon to ght him. He began changing his forms, one of which was that of a bualo. This legend has also been narrated in dierent ways, but the end result and the moral remain the same. The world and the gods were saved from annihilation in the hands of Mahishasura and a great divine female personality came to be worshipped devotedly.
Spirtual Beliefs
Goddess Katyayani Devi is been paid respect in many Holy Scriptures symbolized as Goddess of Strength, knowledge and courage as she is gained victory of good over evil. She has always been worshipped by the Hindus and has a respectful place in the Hinduism. It is said that her followers always inherit inner strength while facing the society. Her presence is found in many Holy Scriptures, puranas and vedas. There are her glimpses found in the texts attributed by the Jainism and Buddhism. It is said that the worshippers specically marriageable girls follow Katyayani Vratha for one month in order to get a husband as good as Lord Krishna. During this, the goddess is worshipped every day and sandal, incense and owers are oered by the devotees.
It is said that the Goddess Katyayani has special place for women and girls. Thus, during Pongal in the part of Tamil Nadu,young girls pray for the prosperity of the place throughout the month. The idol of Goddess Katyayani is carved from wet sand and worshipped during these period. The Goddess said to be possessing three eyes and eight hands and is a removal of all the negative forces from the place where it is worshipped. She is also worshipped on various form in the Northern Part of India and specically as Durga. Goddess Katyayani is remembered even in chants that are for the victory of good over evil, while starting a new business, possession of a new house and start of a new life.
Benefits of worshipping Maa Katyayani
Devi Kanya Kumari (associated with Kanya Kumari, the southernmost tip of India, is believed to be an incarnation of Katyayani. During Pongal, the harvest festival observed in Tamil Nadu, young girls pray for abundance, rain and prosperity throughout the month. The idol of Goddess Katyayani, carved out of wet sand is worshipped, which is believed to shower upon girls whatever they ask for.
The word Katyayani also species the power to remove severity, pride and negative forces that befall an individual. Katyayani also implies destruction of ego that results in great struggles and suerings of the weak. She has three eyes and eight hands, which are an inherent part of ght against evil put up by Her. Worship of Katyayani is not restricted to women alone; males too can oer obeisance to Her to win love and marriage. Taking recourse to mantras and yantras dedicated to the Goddess are a sure way to attain love and Her blessings.
While earlier Gopis used to fast for an entire month, nowadays the ritual goes on from anywhere between 21 to 41 days. Young girls worship Maa Katyayani for the purpose of timely marriage. While performing the rituals, nine minor girls and three small boys are worshiped as well, in order to please this Devi and obtain her blessings.
While the Devi herself wears a yellow saree on this day, it is suggested that devotees should adorn themselves in orange color ethnic wear. Since the puja is done for the purpose of timely marriage, it is significant for girls to wear clothes that are orange in color.
Temple
Shri Katyayani Devi mandir is a mesmerizing Hindu temple devoted to goddess Katyayani. The temple is situated in Bakor in ta-Khanpur adjacent to Mahisagar district, which is just 3 km far away from Kaleshwari. The goddess Katyayani, which is one of the parts of Navdurga, is deliberated to be the 6th form of goddess Durga. Devotees from all caste and religion are greeted here.The temple has been built in north Indian architecture and is located in Gujarat. The temple is crafted with attractive and polished marbles which are spread over 70 acres consisting of 5 small & large temples divided into three different complexes. The temple complex also has other temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Sai, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva.The focus of attraction of this temple is the idol figure of Devi Katyayani. It says that one & only idol in the form of stone.
Numerous festivals are celebrated here along with the auspicious festival of Navrati. The 5th day of Navrati is to be the day of arrival of Devi Katyayani. If you are planning to visit Bakor; try your best to visit Devi Katyayani's temple. The goddess Katyayani in Bakor takes the important place in the pre-historical period.
Devi Katyayani, who already resided here and come forward to welcome goddess Katyayani. Goddess DeviKatyayni is having very compassionaterelations. Even now every day during the morning Aarti at Bakor temple Devi Katyayani is supposed to be present every day ,When you visit that temple feel the greatness of Devi Katyayani, you get blessed, and full peace of mind.
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