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Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Katyāyinī (कत्यायिनी) is another name for Goddess Tvaritā, according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, “By means of the path of the teachings of the master, Śiva’s energy is in the abode of Kula. By means of the three triple modalities, she moves along the three paths (of the Triangle). (She is) Kālī, Katyāyinī, Kākī, Kulālī and Siddhayoginī and moves facing downwards in the Wheel of the Void Beyond the Fourth. She moves spontaneously very quickly (tvarita) solely by means of the inconceivable pulse (spanda) (of her own energy). Thus she is called Tvaritā (the Speedy One), the Yoginī of the Śrīkula born of the Self”.

Source: WikiPedia: Shaktism

Katyayini is the sixth form amongst the Navadurga or the nine forms of Hindu goddess Parvati or (Shakti), worshipped during the Navratri celebrations. In Shaktism she is associated with the fierce forms of Shakti or Durga,a Warrior goddess, which also includes Bhadrakali and Chandika, and traditionally she is associated with the colour red, as with Goddess Durga.

context information

Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: WikiPedia: Puranas

Katyayini (according to ancient legends) was born a daughter of Katyayan Rishi, born in the Katya lineage, thus called Katyayani, “daughter of Katyayan”. Elsewhere in texts like the Kalika Purana, it is mentioned that it was Rishi Kaytyayan who first worshipped her, hence she came to known as 'Katyayani. The Vamana Purana mentions the legend of her creation in great detail.

The Bhagavata Purana in 10th Canto, 22nd Chapter, describes the legend of Katyayani Vrata, where young marriageable daughters (gopis) of the cowherd men of Gokula in Braja, worshipped Goddess Katyayani and took a vrata or vow, during the entire month of Margashirsha, the first month of the winter season, to get Lord Krishna as their husband.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

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Full-text: Shaktism.

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Search found 3 books and stories containing Katyayini, Kātyāyinī; (plurals include: Katyayinis, Kātyāyinīs). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Triveni Journal

Aandaal’s Tiruppaavai The Resplendent Resolution < [January – March, 1989]

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Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study) (by A. Yamuna Devi)

Position of Women < [Chapter 3 - Social Aspects]

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The Linga Purana (by J. L. Shastri)

Chapter 70 - Various Creations (sṛṣṭi-vistāra) < [Section 1 - Uttarabhāga]

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