The festival of Navratri, a nine-night celebration of devotion, strength, and divinity, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians. As the country immerses itself in the vibrant colors and festivities of this auspicious occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has extended his Navratri greetings and invoked the blessings of Maa Katyayani, the fierce and revered goddess.
Maa Katyayani: The Warrior Goddess
Maa Katyayani, an integral aspect of Mahadevi, the great goddess, is celebrated for her role as the slayer of the tyrannical demon Mahishasura. As the sixth among the Navadurgas, the nine forms of Hindu goddess Durga worshipped during Navaratri, Maa Katyayani symbolizes feminine strength and valor. She is often depicted with four, ten, or eighteen hands, radiating an aura of power and divine grace.
This goddess is known by various names, and in the Amarakosha, the Sanskrit lexicon, she is referred to as Goddess Parvati under the names Uma, Katyayani, Gauri, Kali, Haimavati, and Ishwari. In Shaktism, Maa Katyayani is associated with the fierce forms of Shakti or Durga, alongside goddesses like Bhadrakali and Chandika. Traditionally, she is linked with the color red, mirroring the association of Goddess Parvati, the primordial form of Shakti.
A Divine Narrative: Mahishasura’s Slayer
The legend of Maa Katyayani’s emergence and her heroic feat in vanquishing Mahishasura is a cherished tale. It is mentioned in the Skanda Purana that she was created from the spontaneous anger of the gods, ultimately leading to her riding a lion and defeating the demon Mahishasura. This victorious occasion is celebrated with fervor during the annual Durga Puja festival in various parts of India.
The stories of her valor and triumph are intricately narrated in texts like the Devi-Bhagavata Purana and Devi Mahatmyam, found in the Markandeya Purana, attributed to the sage Markandeya Rishi. These texts, written in Sanskrit around the 4th to 5th century CE, have perpetuated the legacy of Maa Katyayani.
Over time, her divine presence also extended to Buddhist and Jain texts, as well as Tantric scriptures, particularly the Kalika Purana from the 10th century. This text references Uddiyana, or Odradesa (Odisha), as the divine seat of Goddess Katyayani and Lord Jagannath.
In the realm of Hindu traditions, such as Yoga and Tantra, Maa Katyayani is associated with the sixth Ajna Chakra, often referred to as the Third Eye Chakra. Devotees invoke her blessings by meditating and focusing on this spiritual point, seeking enlightenment and inner strength.
Prime Minister Modi’s Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a prominent political figure in India, has shared his reverence for Maa Katyayani on the sixth day of Navratri. In a heartfelt message posted on social media, he expressed, “My tribute to Maa Katyayani on the holy Shashti of Navratri!” This message reflects not only the Prime Minister’s deep-rooted spirituality but also his desire to connect with the cultural and religious heritage that holds a significant place in the lives of countless Indians.
As the country continues its Navratri celebrations, the blessings of Maa Katyayani serve as a reminder of feminine strength, valor, and the divine energy that permeates this auspicious occasion. Her legacy endures through the prayers and devotion of countless devotees, including the Prime Minister of India, who seeks her blessings for a prosperous and harmonious future.
