Dashain: Worship & devotion to goddess Katyayani today
As described in the Vaman Purana, one of the eighteen major Puranas of Hinduism, Katyayani was born from the collective wrath of all the gods.
KATHMANDU: On the sixth day of Durga Paksha or Navratri, Goddess Katyayani, the sixth of the nine Durgas, is ritually worshiped in the Dashainghar or Puja room.
According to Vedic Sanatani traditions, Goddess Katyayani is worshiped every year on Ashwin Shukla Shasthi, the sixth day of Durga Paksha.
As described in the Vaman Purana, one of the eighteen major Puranas of Hinduism, Katyayani was born from the collective wrath of all the gods.
Their rage at the demon Mahisasura materialized as energy rays, which crystallized in the hermitage of Rishi Katyayana, leading to the birth of the goddess.
Thus, she is called Katyayani, the daughter of Katyayana. Worshiping Goddess Katyayani is believed to bestow the four cardinal virtues: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation).
In Kathmandu, devotees visit the Manmaiju Temple and the Katyayani Temple in Minbhawan to offer prayers during this auspicious time.
Cultural experts believe that the worship of Durga during Dashain reflects Nepali society’s deep reverence for Matrishakti (motherly power) and highlights the significance of Devi (a divine embodiment of the feminine) in representing the triumph of good over evil.
Throughout Navratri, devotees gather in large numbers at various Shaktipeeths (sacred shrines) across the country.
In the Kathmandu Valley, temples such as Guhyeshwari, Jaywageshwari, Maitidevi, Kalikasthan, Naxal Bhagwati, Bhadrakali, Sobhabhagavati, Raktakali, Shwetkali, Bijeshwari, Kankeshwari, Kalankimai, Chamunda Devi, Sundarimai, Bajrayogini, Indrayani, and Bagalamukhi have been crowded with worshippers since the morning of Ghatasthapana.
Similarly, Shaktipeeths outside the valley, such as Palanchok Bhagwati, Nala Bhagwati, Chandeshwari, Palchok Bhagwati, Kamalamai, Ichchakamana, Manakamana, Gadhimai, Chinnamasta, Pathibhara, Dantkali, Gahwamai, Baglung Kalika, Vindhyavasini, Talbarahi, Shaileshwari, Badimalika, and Ugratara, have also seen throngs of devotees. Navratri is considered a special time for sadhana (spiritual practice) aimed at attaining divine power.
