Story of NavDurga

(Day – 6)

6. Story of Maa Katyayani

Maa Katyayani is worshiped on the sixth day of the nine-day-long Hindu festival of Navratri. Maa Katyayani is one of the most popular forms of Durga who is prayed to during Navratri. It is believed that Maa Katyayani was born to kill and bring an end to Mahishasura.

There was once a sage named Katyayan and he was childless. And he prayed with all his heart to the Trinity Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. He was blessed that one day he will have a wonderful child. A child will make him very proud. In the meantime Mahishasura the demon was becoming powerful. So that the gods the devas also feared him and they all went to the holy trinity and begged them to find a solution.

Then Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma combined their energies and created a female form. This female form was extremely radiant as a thousand suns. She had 18 arms, and she had fierce eyes. She rides a lion and she was given the blessings of defeating Mahishasura in battle. Just before going into battle, all the gods blessed her with many gifts.

Shiva gave her a mighty trident, Vishnu gave her a Sudarshan Chakra, Brahma gave her a water-pot and a rosary, Varuna gave her a Conch/Shunk, Agni gave her a Dart, Surya gave her a Quiver, Vayu gave her a Bow, Indra gave her a Thunderbolt, Kuber gave her a Mace, Kaal gave her a sword and a shield and Vishwa Karma gave her a Battle-Axe.

It is said that she went into a mighty battle with Mahishasura. The battle between Katyayani and Mahishasura went on for days and finally, she defeated him by chopping off his head. Katyayani is also known as Mahishasura Mardani that means the one who killed and defeated Mahishasura and her celebration, her victory is celebrated in India.

Conclusion:

A day when a woman took a fierce form and she went down on earth and she defeated a demon who was as terrible as Mahishasura. Maa Katyayani has four hands in one she holds a sword, in the other, she holds a lotus, with the third hand she blesses her devotees, and with the fourth hand, she protects them. Here's wishing all of you a Very Happy Navratri. Maa Katyayani blesses you with immense strength so that you too just like her fight all evil around you.