Katyayani Mantra — Word-by-Word Meaning
कात्यायनी मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
कात्यायनि
Katyayani
O Goddess Katyayani (the sixth form of Navdurga)
महामाये
Mahamaye
O great cosmic power (Maya)
नन्दगोपसुतं पतिं मे कुरु
Nanda-gopa-sutam patim me kuru
make the son of Nanda (Krishna / a worthy husband) my husband
ते नमः
Te namah
salutations to you
Complete Translation
Om. Salutations to Goddess Katyayani.
O Katyayani, great Maya, supreme mistress of the great yoginis — O Goddess, make the son of Nanda-gopa (Krishna) my husband; salutations to you.
Origin & History
Source: The mantra of Goddess Katyayani (the gopis’ prayer, Bhagavata Purana)
Author: Traditional (Puranic)
In the Bhagavata Purana, the young gopis of Vrindavan, longing for Lord Krishna as their husband, worshipped Goddess Katyayani through the month of Margashirsha, bathing in the Yamuna at dawn and praying: "O Katyayani, great Maya, make the son of Nanda-gopa my husband." Their prayer was fulfilled. Ever since, Katyayani — the sixth form of Navdurga, the fierce slayer of Mahishasura — has been the goddess to whom unmarried girls turn for a good husband and an early, happy marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Katyayani Mantra?▼
It is the mantra of Goddess Katyayani, the sixth of the nine forms of Durga (Navdurga). The classic verse "Katyayani Mahamaye... Nanda-gopa-sutam devi patim me kuru te namah" is the prayer for a good husband — the same prayer the gopis offered to obtain Lord Krishna.
What are the benefits of the Katyayani Mantra?▼
It is chanted chiefly by unmarried girls for an early and happy marriage and to find a loving, suitable husband. It is believed to remove obstacles and delays in marriage (vivah badha) including Mangal dosha, and to bless married life with harmony.
How should the Katyayani Mantra be chanted for marriage?▼
Chant it 108 times daily on a mala, ideally at dawn for a full month, and especially through the nine nights of Navratri (the sixth day is Katyayani's). Offer turmeric, honey or red flowers to the Goddess and recite with faith.
When is the best time to chant the Katyayani Mantra?▼
Navratri — particularly the sixth day (Shashthi) — is the most powerful time, as is the month of Margashirsha, when the gopis are said to have worshipped Katyayani. Dawn is the ideal hour.
Who was Katyayani?▼
Katyayani is a fierce, beautiful form of Durga, born as the daughter of the sage Katyayana and the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. As the sixth Navdurga she is invoked for marriage, courage and the fulfilment of righteous desires.
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