In this form, Durga is four-armed and she carries a sword, shield, and lotus. One hand is depicted as giving a blessing. She rides a lion.
Mother Katyayani is worshipped as the sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is adored on the sixth day of the Navaratri. The narrative regarding her birth has been as follows:
History of Katyayani
The world-renowned sage Katyayana was born in the dynasty of sage Katya. She was an excellent devotee of Goddess Durga and performed an austere penance for many years to propitiate her. Being delighted by his devotion, Goddess Durga appeared before him and asked him to demand the desired boon. Thereupon the great Sage Katyayana demanded that she should be born as a daughter to him. Goddess Durga granted his wish.
When the atrocities committed by Mahisha, the wicked demon became intolerable on Earth, Goddess Durga’s sixth manifestation appeared as a daughter to sage Katyayana. She came to be known as ‘Katyayani’ as she was the daughter of Sage Katyayana.
As soon as Mother Katyayani was born, she assumed a huge and massive form. Seeing her Universal Form, sage Katyayana bowed to her with great reverence, adored and worshipped her for three days from the bright seventh to ninth. Having accepted the adoration and worship of the sage, Mother Katyayani assassinated demon Mashisha.
Mother Katyayani can give everything to her devotees. The gopis of Braja too worshipped her on the banks of the Yamuna in order to beget Lord Krishna as their husband. The four-armed Mother Katyayani rides the Lion. She is easily propitiated by devotion and destroys all sins of her devotees. Her worship is conducive to Dharma, wealth, pleasures, and salvation.
Mantras for Katyayani Devi
Om Devi Katyayanyayi Namah (108 recitation of this mantra)
Chandrahaasojjval Karaa Shaardoolvarvaahanaa | Katyayani Shubham Dadyaad Devi Daanavghatini ||
This means, Devi Katyayani, who holds Chandrahaas Sword and other weapons in her ten hands, rides on Lion and destroys demons, be propitious to me.
Om Hrim Katyayani Swaha (108 Recitation of this Katyayani Mantra)
Mahishasura Mardini Stotram with Lyrics
