Maa Katyayani Story: Goddess of Strength: Day 6 Navratri

Story

Maa Katyayani Mantra

ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः 

Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah

Shobhit was a young, intelligent, brave, and courageous boy. Everyone in the school and neighbourhood praised him. He always came first in his exams and also performed very well in sports. Moreover, he feared nothing, he was bold and brave enough to face any tough situation. Everyone admired him. Shobhit was his teacher's favourite. This praise had gone into his head, he became egoistic and arrogant. He became full of himself and started showing off his talents.

Shobhit had a true friend, Tarun.

One day, Tarun said to Shobhit, “Dear Shobhit, as your friend I want to tell you that compliments and appreciation have made you very rude and proud. You should be humble and polite.”

Shobhit arrogantly replied, “You don’t need to teach me anything. I am intelligent and brave unlike you all. And by the way, I am not arrogant.”

Tarun said, “My dear friend, remember there can be someone who is wiser and bolder than you. Haven’t you heard of Maa Katyayani, the destroyer of ego and overconfidence?”

Shobhit asked, “Who is Maa Katyayani? How is she a destroyer of ego? What can she do to me? I haven’t done anything wrong to her.”

Tarun smiled and said, “Devi Katyayani is a form of Maa Durga, worshipped on the 6th day of Navratri. She defeated the demon Mahishasura crushing his ego, overconfidence, and arrogance. Mahishasura had become very boastful, rude, and proud of his powers. He thought nobody could win against him. However, Maa Durga transformed herself into a fierce form, Maa Katyayani. She defeated him making him realise that one should never be proud of his powers.”

Listening to this, Shobhit got a little scared, however, he confidently said, “Maa Katyayani will not do anything to me and how can she?”

Tarun said, “Don’t be under the impression that Maa Katyayani cannot do anything to you. Even today, she helps those who use their wisdom wisely and punishes those who are egoistic. She helps those who are courageous and punishes those who look down upon others. Rather, you should pray to the Devi daily to make you wise and courageous. You should worship her to help you walk the right path.”

Listening to all this, Shobhit understood that, one should never be arrogant and high-headed. One should never think of himself as superior to others.

This time, in the final year exams, he did not come first. Shobhit realised that victory was not permanent.

He prayed to Devi Katyayani for wisdom and to show him the right way of living. By praying to the Devi daily, he overcame his ego and overconfidence and now he was humble and respectful.