Katyayani Temple Chhatarpur – Sixth Avatar of Maa Durga

April 24, 2021

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Maa Katyayani is the ferocious sixth Avatar of Durga Mata and is also known as Mahishasurmardini. Maa Katyayani was created by a joint effort of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh and is considered to be a savior of the Gods. The temple in Chhatarpur is dedicated to Adhya Shakti Maa Katyayani and is a Shaktipeeth temple. The temple is located in South Delhi near the Gurugram border of Haryana.

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The Legend of Maa Katyayani

Maa Katyayani is the creation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. She has three eyes and eighteen arms, each holding a weapon. The story of the creation of Maa Katyayani begins in the Treta Yuga. It is the Yuga when Shri Rama appeared as the son of King Dashrath and Kaushalya Mata. In this Yuga Dharma and religiousness prevailed on the whole, but there were elements of Adharma also. These elements were in the form of Rakshasas and Asuras who created destruction and upset the peace and harmony of Rishis and Munis besides the common folk. In the Treta Yuga, the forests were dotted with the ashrams and retreats of these Munis and Rishis. One such demon was Mahishasura, a powerful king of demons who were making life miserable for the people on earth. Even the Devtas in heaven were not safe from this demon king. Unable to bear it anymore, the Devtas approached Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh for help. The devtas were assured of a solution. After some consideration Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh combined their energies and created a bright ray of light that fell at a particular place on earth.

Rishi Katyayana

Rishi Katyayana was a great saint and holder of the highest knowledge. He lived in his ashram in the Vindhyachal mountains and lived a life of austerity and penance. Rishi Katyayana was a descendant of Vishwamitra of the Ramayana.

The ray of light created by Lord Brahma, Vishu and Mahesh happened to fall on his ashram and Maa Durga in Her sixth Avatar appeared as a tiny infant. Rishi Katyayana knew Maa Durga had come to lessen the burden of the earth. He brought up the child as his daughter who came to be known as Katyayani. The Vindhyachal region was Her abode.

Mahishasura meets his end

It was in this very area the demon king Mahishasura lived and ruled. By now Katyayani had grown into a beautiful young girl. One day She was seen by some asuras (demons) who were astonished by Her beauty. They reported this to their king – Mahishasura. When the king heard of the Goddess’s incredible beauty he sent a marriage proposal. To this proposal, Katyayani replied that She can only marry the one who defeats Her in battle. Mahishasura laughed and thought that marriage was now certain. He came out to fight and a tough battle ensued. Mahishasura was shocked at the great power Katyayani possessed. He then turned into a giant water buffalo and attacked. Katyayani was now fully enraged and decided to end the battle. She jumped on his back and killed him with Her Trishul (Trident). That was the end of the demon king. Peace and tranquility returned to earth.

The Chhatarpur Temple

The Chhatarpur Temple was built in 1974 by Sant Baba Nagpal after a long time of effort. Sant Baba Nagpal lost his parents at an early age. He was brought up by a lady who instilled in him Godly and religious attitudes. Baba Nagpal left home at an early age and traveled on pilgrimages across India. He preached and talked about Sanatana Dharma wherever he went. He spent a few years in Kashmir and then came to Delhi. By now he was recognized as a saintly person and had many followers. He built a small temple dedicated to Durga Mata from where he preached and engaged in social upliftment.

After some years he came to Chhatarpur, at that time a small village. The Panchayat of the village gave him an acre of land and asked him to build a temple, stay there and preach. Funds were soon collected and a temple dedicated to Maa Katyayani was built. That was in 1974. Baba Nagpal then brought adjoining land and built more temples. By and by the landholding increased until it was 70 acres. More temples were built and the temple complex became a pilgrimage and an attraction for devotees and tourists. Today there are twenty temples dedicated to different deities amid beautifully manicured gardens. All the temples are made of the best white marble.

The main shrine dedicated to Maa Katyayani and a golden-faced Murti of the Goddess, beautifully adorned can be seen. She is dressed in silk and Her eighteen arms hold weapons. Both Navratris are celebrated in the temple with great zeal and enthusiasm. Mahashivratri and Janmashtami are also celebrated.

Chhatarpur Mandir is a labor of love and the untiring effort of one man – Sant Baba Nagpal. The Saint passed away in 1998 and a Samadhi was built and dedicated to that great Soul.