Goddess Katyayani: The Warrior Goddess
Origin
To destroy the demon Mahishasura, Goddess Parvati took the form of Goddess Katyayani. It was the most violent form of Goddess Parvati, embodying supreme strength and divine rage. In this form, Goddess Parvati is also known as the Warrior Goddess, symbolizing the power of righteousness over evil.
According to religious texts, Goddess Parvati was born at the home of Sage Katya, and due to this association, she is known as Goddess Katyayani. It is believed that Sage Katya performed intense penance to please the Goddess, and as a boon, she took birth in his household to annihilate the forces of darkness.
Navratri Worship
Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. Devotees seek her blessings for courage, success, and protection against adversities. She is revered as the goddess who removes obstacles and grants happiness to her devotees.
Governing Planet
It is believed that the planet Brihaspati (Jupiter) is governed by Goddess Katyayani. Worshiping her is said to bring wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity while eliminating negative planetary effects.
Iconography
Goddess Katyayani is depicted as a majestic warrior goddess riding a magnificent lion, symbolizing fearlessness and strength. She is portrayed with four hands:
- Right Hands: One in Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection) and the other in Varada Mudra (gesture of blessings).
- Left Hands: One carrying a lotus flower and the other holding a sword, symbolizing power and destruction of evil forces.
Her golden complexion and radiant aura represent divine energy and protection, ensuring the triumph of good over evil.
Significance and Worship
Goddess Katyayani is particularly revered by young unmarried girls who seek her blessings for a righteous and suitable life partner. It is believed that worshiping her with dedication removes obstacles in marriage and ensures a harmonious married life.
She is also invoked by devotees facing immense hardships in life, as she grants courage, strength, and wisdom to overcome difficulties. Many worship her for success in their endeavors, protection from negative energies, and overall well-being.
Favourite Flower
Red-colored flowers, especially roses, are considered sacred offerings to Goddess Katyayani.
Mantra
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Prarthana (Prayer)
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥
Stuti (Hymn of Praise)
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Dhyana (Meditative Visualization)
वन्दे वाञ्छित मनोरथार्थ चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहारूढा चतुर्भुजा कात्यायनी यशस्विनीम्॥
स्वर्णवर्णा आज्ञाचक्र स्थिताम् षष्ठम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
वराभीत करां षगपदधरां कात्यायनसुतां भजामि॥
पटाम्बर परिधानां स्मेरमुखी नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल मण्डिताम्॥
प्रसन्नवदना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् तुगम् कुचाम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां त्रिवलीविभूषित निम्न नाभिम्॥
Stotra (Hymn of Devotion)
कञ्चनाभां वराभयं पद्मधरा मुकटोज्जवलां।
स्मेरमुखी शिवपत्नी कात्यायनेसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
पटाम्बर परिधानां नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
सिंहस्थिताम् पद्महस्तां कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
परमानन्दमयी देवी परब्रह्म परमात्मा।
परमशक्ति, परमभक्ति, कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
विश्वकर्ती, विश्वभर्ती, विश्वहर्ती, विश्वप्रीता।
विश्वाचिन्ता, विश्वातीता कात्यायनसुते नमोऽस्तुते॥
कां बीजा, कां जपानन्दकां बीज जप तोषिते।
कां कां बीज जपदासक्ताकां कां सन्तुता॥
कांकारहर्षिणीकां धनदाधनमासना।
कां बीज जपकारिणीकां बीज तप मानसा॥
कां कारिणी कां मन्त्रपूजिताकां बीज धारिणी।
कां कीं कूंकै कः ठः छः स्वाहारूपिणी॥
Kavacha (Protective Shield)
कात्यायनौमुख पातु कां स्वाहास्वरूपिणी।
ललाटे विजया पातु मालिनी नित्य सुन्दरी॥
कल्याणी हृदयम् पातु जया भगमालिनी॥
Aarti (Devotional Song)
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॥
This article provides a detailed insight into the divine aspects of Goddess Katyayani, her significance, and how she is revered in Hindu tradition. Devotees seek her blessings for strength, courage, and protection from adversities, making her an integral deity in the Navratri festival. May Goddess Katyayani bless all her devotees with happiness and success.
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