Goddess Katyayani is the fifth form of Goddess Durga among the Nava Durga. She is worshipped on the fifth day of Navaratri. The deity is known as Katyayani as she was born as the daughter of Sage Katya of the Katya clan. He was first to worship the goddess.

Legend of Goddess Katyayani
According to a legend Sage Katyayan practised severe penances of goddess Bhagvati. He wished that Goddess Durga to take birth in his abode. Pleased with his devotion and prayers the deity the goddess granted his wish and took birth in Katyayan`s ashram. Sage Katyayan nurtured her with love and care. Meanwhile, the anguish and torture of the demon, Mahisasura increased considerably. He possessed the boon that he could be killed by none but only by a warrior goddess. Hence, he began tormenting the gods and overthrew them from their throne in heaven. The gods began praying for help hence, the trinity Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva culminated their powers and created Goddess Durga. Sage Katyayana was the first who worshipped her. Hence the goddess is known as Katyayani.

According to another legend Goddess Katyayani was born to sage Katyayana on the 14th dark of the month Asvina. The sage worshipped her for three days on Shukla Saptami, Ashtami and Rama Navami. The goddess killed Mahisasura on the tenth day i.e. on the Vijayadasami day and relieved the gods from his atrocities.

The worship of the goddess leads the worshipper to four objects - dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

Attributes of Goddess Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani is of golden complexion and is mounted on a lion which is her vehicle. The goddess has three eyes and four arms. With her left hand she holds a weapon and with the other she holds a lotus. With the other two hands she holds the abhaya mudra and varada mudra.

Worship of Goddess Katyayani
Goddess Katyayani is worshipped in Vraj and has been established as the Queen of Vraj. A temple has been established in Delhi that houses the idol of Goddess Katyayani. Special worship of the goddess is arranged on the Ashtami day falling in every month. The idol of the deity is golden in colour and is huge is size. On the Navaratri day the temple is decorated beautifully and is flocked by devotees from different places.

The worshippers of Goddess Katyayani practise penance on the Agya Chakra on the 6th day of Navaratri. The rituals of worshipping the deity begin with chanting of mantras and offering flowers to the goddess. Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are also worshipped after worshipping the goddess. Lord Shiva is worshipped along with goddess Lakshmi. The following mantra is chanted while praying to the goddess.

Chandrahasojwalkara Shailavarvahana | Katyayani Shubham Dagyadevi Danavgyatini ||

Ya Devi Sarva Bhutesu Maa rupena samsthita | Namestasyai Namestasyai Namestasyai ||