Katyayani is one of the nine manifestations of the Goddess Durga known as the Nava Durgas. Katyayani is a ferocious embodiment of Sakthi, the heavenly feminine force. Durga means “the indomitable,” and Katyayani, the warrior Goddess, is one among them. She is worshipped on the sixth day of the Navaratri celebration as the sixth of Durga’s nine incarnations.

Once upon a time, the buffalo-faced demon Mahishasura gained boons, grew strong, and began disturbing all realms. The greatest Gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva then joined forces and created a huge flame, from which Devi Katyayani appeared, with the brilliance of many Suns. She was stunning, with three eyes, 18 limbs, and flowing black hair. While the celestial entities bowed before her, the Gods completely equipped her with strong weapons such as a trident, discus, conch, dart, sword and shield, bow and arrows, thunderbolt, mace, battle-ax, rosary, and water pitcher. The Goddess then rode her lion with her army straight to Mahishasura and his minions, fought a terrible fight with him, and eventually defeated him.

For this Goddess, there is a particular devotion called Maa Katyayani Pooja, and the Bhagavatha Purana speaks highly of her. This is a unique devotion performed by the maidens of Braj Bhoomi, Krishna’s territory in Uttar Pradesh, during the Hindu winter month of Margashirsha (Margazhi in Tamil, which is mid-December to mid-January), in order to obtain Krishna himself as their spouse. Throughout the month, they would worship the earthen idols of Katyayani Devi while observing stringent austerities such as complete or partial fasting. Many young ladies still do this ritual and appeal to the Goddess for good life partners.

Katyayani Mantras’ Efficacy

Mantras are potent incantations that contain enormous spiritual force. There are certain recommendations for how to sing a Mantra, and when done with dedication, the mantras can produce vibrations that provide serenity and joy to the devotees. Katyayani mantras are strong prayers that will address all marital troubles. They can give helpful solutions for marriage delays and marital issues. It is feared that Manglik Dosha, the severe ailment induced by Mangal or the planet Mars, will bring a slew of issues in marriage celebrations, marital harmony, and marriage longevity.

Chanting these Katyayani mantras with faith may be a powerful antidote to this Manglik Dosha, ensuring that a suitable match is discovered swiftly for eligible ladies, marriage occurs early, and the pair lives a long, happy, amicable, and tranquil married life.

Mantras of Katyayani:

‘Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadheeshwari, Nandgopsutam Devipatim Me Kurute Namah!’

‘Om Hring Katyaynyai Swaha, Hring Shring Katyaynyai Swaha!’

Parvati Mantra for the delay in marriage:

‘Hey Gauri Shankarardhangi Yatha Tvam Shankarpriyaa, Tatha Mam Kuru Kalyaani Kaantkatam Sudurlabhaam!’

Surya Mantra for the delay in marriage:

‘Om Devendrani Namastubhyam Devendrapriya Bhamini, Vivaaham Bhagyamaarogyam Sheeghralabham Cha Dehi Me!’

Vivah Hetu Mantra:

‘Om Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadhisvari, Nandgopasut Devi Patim Me KuruTe Namah!’