#NavShakti: Katyayni

The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani. It is believed that it was Maa Katyayani who defeated the monster Mahishasura. The story behind the sixth day of the festival is absorbing.

Once a Maharishi named Katyayana who was childless and was a rigid devotee of the holy trinity- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He was blessed by them that one day he will have a beautiful child, who will make him proud. While in the meantime, demon Mahishasura became very powerful. He conquered all the three Loks and wrecked everything down. The Gods were worried. They prayed to the trinity to find a solution. The trinity combined their energies and shaped it into a female form. This female form was born in the house of sage Katyayana, and she came to be known as Katyayani.

One day two messengers of Mahishasura saw Katyayani and were charmed by her beauty. They told Mahishasura about Katyayani, Mahishasura got delighted, he sent his messenger to convince Katyayani to marry him. Katyayani told the messenger that according to the family ritual, Mahishasura must conquest Katyayani in the war, only after that he could marry her. Mahishasura agreed and the battle took place between them. Katyayani fought fiercely and killed the devil Mahishasura. She released the world from the sins of Mahishasura and brought back the peace and happiness.

This form of Maa Durga is as radiant as a thousand of suns. Her eyes speak fearlessness, she has eighteen arms carrying weapon in each. She is the goddess of war and power. Honey, sandalwood pulp, fruits and fresh garlands are offered to the Goddess. She is the symbol of intelligence, joy and peace and wash away all the negative energies.