There are little things in life to be eternally grateful for, especially a long weekend. Again, I thank god for a Monday and Tuesday off because it feels pretty amazing to be devoid of teaching duties and sitting by the beach, enjoying the cool breeze while I type this post.
Today also happens to be the sixth day celebrations of Navarathri, which means that we are down to the last three days before Vijayadasami and (in Singapore) about a week (?) to the annual fire walking festival. It also means that the Goddess of Wealth would slowly get up on her two feet and depart with a smile, while warmly welcoming the last of the trinity – Vaani.
Today, we talk about Goddess Katyayni, the one who was born a warrior. In all honesty, there hasn’t been much tales about her but legends speak of her similarity to Durga – she is considered as one of the most ferocious forms of the Navadurga. She was literally born to defeat evil – the purpose of her creation strongly advocating for light to triumph. Besides, I really love the name.
Interestingly, the worship of Katyayni is mostly done by young girls who have attained marriageable age, to pray for a husband. Before we delve into the complications of this statement, we need to establish the fact that there were women in Vedic periods, especially in Gokul, who used to fast during the first month of winter (also happens to fall during the sixth day of Navarathri) to marry the dashing, cowherd Kanna. That practice follower suit to this day where it is pretty normal for women to pray for a good husband, and Katyayni happens to be the Goddess that gives you just that.
I apologise if I had been duly ignorant but I hope that whoever who has been fasting for Navarathri have been having a smooth one ! Hang in there, it will be over soon !
File Photo : Upasana Govindarajan (Pen and Pencil).
