In the holy cave of Maa Vaishno Devi Dham, after the darshan of Maa Skandamata, devotees behold the divine and radiant form of Maa Katyayani. This sacred idol, about 5.7 feet high, 6.1 feet wide, and 3 feet in diameter, illuminates the entire cave with its heavenly glow. On the sixth day of Navratri, Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped. According to legend, Sage Katyayan performed a great penance to have the Mother Goddess as his daughter. Pleased with his devotion, the Adi Shakti herself was born in his house, and thus came to be known as Katyayani – the daughter of Rishi Katyayan.
Connection with Braj
The Puranas mention that the Gopis of Braj worshipped Maa Katyayani on the banks of the river Yamuna to obtain Lord Krishna as their husband. For this reason, Maa Katyayani holds a special place in Braj Mandal, where she is revered as the presiding deity even today. Worship of Maa Katyayani is believed to bless devotees with love, devotion, and good fortune.
Form of Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani is a radiant and courageous form of the Goddess. She has three eyes, symbolizing her vision of the past, present, and future. With her four hands – one holds a weapon, another a lotus flower, one hand grants blessings, and the other offers protection from fear. Her lion vehicle represents power, courage, and the protection of righteousness (dharma).
The name Katyayani means "daughter of Rishi Katyayan." She is also regarded as an aspect of Parvati and Durga. Maa Katyayani is usually adorned in red, symbolizing energy, victory, and strength. Hence, devotees wear red clothes on the sixth day of Navratri to worship her.
Maa Katyayani is especially worshipped by unmarried girls seeking a suitable life partner. Her blessings also bring spiritual progress, courage, self-confidence, and strength. The Shrimad Bhagavatam mentions how the Gopis prayed to her with the chant –"Hey Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadheeshwari..." – desiring Lord Krishna as their husband.
With Maa Katyayani's grace, devotees gain inner strength and courage. Married life becomes harmonious, obstacles are removed, and difficulties fade away. Her worship grants wisdom,righteousness, and liberation (moksha).
Jai Maa Katyayani!
