Sixth Avatar of Goddess Durga, Sixth day of Navratri, Sixth Manifestation of Goddess Durga, Sixth Form of Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga is worshipped as Goddess Katyayini on the sixth day of Navratri. Goddess katyayani is the daughter of sage Katyayana and hence the name Katyayani.
Legends of Goddess Katyayani Birth
Once there was a sage by the name of Katyayana. He performed great penance and asked Goddess Parashakti to be born as a daughter to him. She readily agreed and manifested in the Ashram of Katyayana on the 14 th day of the dark fortnight before the start of Navratri. Katyana worshipped her on the seventh, eight and ninth days of bright fortnight. Goddess killed the demon Mahishasura on the ninth day.
There is another Legend which states that the demon Mahishasura had over thrown the king of Devas Indra and occupied heaven. The Trimurtis, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara created Goddess Durga to kill the demon on the sixth day of Navratri. As soon as Goddess Durga was manifested, sage Katyayana first worshiped her and hence she came to be known as Katyayani.
Appearnace of Goddess Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani appears with four hands, three eyes riding a Lion. Her skin is golden in color and is bright equivalent of 1000 Suns. In two of her left hands Goddess katyayani hold a sword and a lotus flower. The remaining two right hands are the Abhaya Hasta to assure protection and boon giving to grant the wishes of the devotees who worship her.
Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Katyayani
The devotee whoever worships Goddess Katyayani would be blessed by her. All his sorrows and difficulties are removed forever and he would live happily all his life.
Yogis and Sadhak would be able to reach the Agya Chakra if they meditate on Goddess Katyayani. In this stage the Sadhak can feel the sense of enlightenment within himself.
Vrat of Goddess Katyayani
The gopikas in the region of Vraj used to worship Goddess Katyayani in the month of Margashira to obtain Lord Krishna as their husband. During the Vrat only unspiced Kichidi is eaten as food. Milk and other Milk products are not taken in any form as food. Today also lot of women observe this Vrat to get good husband.
Temple of Goddess Katyayani Chaatarpur
There is a famous temple of Goddess Katyayani at Chaatarpur near Delhi. A lot of devotees would throng the temple on Navratri days. Also the darshan of Goddess Katyayani in this temple is available only on the Ashtami of every month and during the Navratri only.
