Form 6 of 9 · Night 6 of Navratri
Katyayani
The sixth form of Durga, worshipped on the sixth night: Katyayani, the warrior goddess born in the hermitage of the sage Katyayana, who slew the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
- Her name means
- Daughter of the sage Katyayana
- Rides a lion
- Her night
- Night 6
- of Navratri
The story
The sage Katyayana prayed for years that the Goddess be born as his daughter. When Mahishasura’s power grew too great, the gods poured out their light, and in the sage’s hermitage it took form as Katyayani.
She went out on her lion against Mahishasura and his armies, and killed him, so she is also called Mahishasuramardini.
In Vrindavan, the young gopis kept a month-long vow to Katyayani, praying for Krishna as their husband; young women still pray to her for a good marriage.
What she gives
Courage against injustice, and, for many, the blessing of a good marriage.
How she is shown
Four-armed, golden, riding a lion, holding a sword and a lotus, her other hands raised in blessing and in protection.
Her verse
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥
Chandrahasojjvalakara shardulavaravahana,
Katyayani shubham dadyad Devi danavaghatini.
Her hand bright with the moon-like sword, riding the noblest lion, may the goddess Katyayani, slayer of demons, give me good.
जिनका हाथ चन्द्रमा जैसी तलवार से चमकता है, जो श्रेष्ठ सिंह पर सवार हैं, दानवों का नाश करने वाली वे देवी कात्यायनी मेरा कल्याण करें।
Her mantra ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमःOm Devi Katyayanyai Namah
Her night
The sixth night of Navratri
Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth night of Navratri, the tithi of Shashthi, in spring (Chaitra) and in autumn (Sharad).
Find this year’s NavratriWhere she is worshipped
In every Durga temple and festival pandal on her night of Navratri. In Varanasi each of the nine forms has a temple of her own, and pilgrims visit one each night.
Questions
Did Katyayani kill Mahishasura?
Yes, in the telling that names her: born from the gods’ power in the sage Katyayana’s hermitage, she rode out and slew him.
Why do young women pray to Katyayani?
Because the gopis of Vrindavan kept a vow to her, praying for Krishna as their husband; she is prayed to for a good marriage.