Katyayani is the sixth form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Katyayani” means “the daughter of sage Katyayana,” who performed intense penance to invoke the goddess.
Nav = nine and ratri = night. As the name implies, Navratri is a festival of nine consecutive nights. Navratri is a time of fasting, prayer, and devotion, and it is marked by the performance of puja (worship) ceremonies in temples and homes.
Navratri honors Navdurga … Nav Durga … nine forms of Durga.
They are:
These nine forms celebrate, honor and worship nine different incarnations, nine different colors and nine different qualities.
Katyayani
Katyayani is the sixth form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Katyayani” means “the daughter of sage Katyayana,” who performed intense penance to invoke the goddess. She is depicted with four arms, holding a sword, lotus flower, and two other hands in mudras (symbolic hand gestures).
As per the Hindu mythology, Katyayani is believed to be the embodiment of courage, strength, and devotion. She is associated with the Ajna Chakra or the third eye chakra, which represents intuition and spiritual insight.
Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri, and her worship is believed to bestow divine grace, courage, and protection on the devotees. Her worship is also believed to help in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in all endeavors.
During the sixth day of Navratri, devotees offer prayers and perform aarti to Katyayani. It is also believed that offering honey to her can help in achieving success and removing negative energies.
Overall, Katyayani holds great significance in Navratri as she represents the power of devotion, courage, and strength. Her worship is believed to bestow blessings of success, prosperity, and happiness to the devotees.