Goddess Katyayani is one of the popular forms of Goddess Durga and she is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri in many regions. She got the name Katyayani Ma as she was born in the Katya clan as the daughter of Sage Katya. She is one of the nine Durgas or Nav Durgas worshipped during Navaratri. Details about Goddess Katyayani are found in the Matsya Purana, Agni Purana and Vamana Purana.
Goddess Katyayani is believed to have taken the form to destroy numerous demons and bring happiness to those who follow Dhrama. Some scriptures suggest that Goddess Katyayani is another name of Mahishasura Mardini Durga. Some idols show the big toe of her left leg pressing down demon Mahisha.
Goddess Katyayani was a popular deity during the period of Lord Krishna. She was worshipped by Gopis and Gopas in Gokula. An image of the Goddess used to be made using the clay and mud from the Yamuna River
Goddess Katyayani is depicted as having four or eight or ten or eighteen arms. She carries different arms presented by Devas and the Trimurtis. Some scriptures mention that she has the combined power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Her body color is said to be that of Atasi flower (sky blue or violet blue).
Her Vahana is believed to be Sardula – a mythical animal regarded as the mother of tigers. In some texts, she is shown along with a lion. Some scriptures indicate that she is youthful and is bedecked with ornaments. She wears a crown with a crescent moon stuck to it.