Katyayani Temple in Vrindavana is a highly sacred site dedicated to the worship of Goddess Katyayani. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, this temple holds great significance for Vaishnavites, as Katyayani Devi was worshiped by Srimati Radha Rani and other Gopis to seek her blessings to obtain Lord Sri Krishna as their husband. She is also worshiped by Lord Sri Krishna.
katyayani maha-maye | maha-yoginy adhisvari
nanda-gopa-sutam devi | patim me kuru te namah
iti mantram japantyas tah | pujam cakruh kumariah
Each of the young, unmarried gopis, after taking a bath in the Yamuna early in the morning, would worship goddess Katyayani by chanting the mantra: “Oh Divine Mother Katyayani, You are Mahamaya and Mahayogini. Please bless me so that Lord Sri Krishna, the son of Nanda Maharaj, may become my husband. I offer my sincere prayers to you.”
Katyayani Devi Shakti Peetha
Katyayani Shakti Peetha is one of the prominent 51 Shakti Peethas, where a lock of hair of Sati Devi fell. This Shakti Peetha is also known as Uma Shakti Peetha or Uma Devi temple. Lord Shiva is worshiped here as Bhotesh.
She is also worshiped as Uma, and therefore, this Shakti Peetha is referred to as the Uma Shakti Peetha or Uma Temple.
Who is Goddess Katyayani?
Maa Katyayani is a powerful goddess, depicted with four hands radiating divine strength. She carries a sword and a lotus, and bestows her grace through the Abhaya and Varada mudras, symbolizing protection, courage, and benevolence. Revered as the granter of wishes, she is especially worshipped by young, unmarried girls seeking a noble and loving husband. Maa Katyayani holds a significant place in the Navaratri celebrations and is honored with great devotion on the sixth day of the festival.
Sthala Purana of Katyayani Temple
According to Vedic history, there was a sage named Katyayana. Since Sage had no children, he performed severe tapas to Durga Devi to seek her blessing.
Pleased by his devotion, the goddess appeared before him and asked what boon he desired. Sage Katyayana, with utmost devotion, requested Durga Devi to be born as his daughter. The Devi agreed and was born as the daughter of the sage Katyayana. Since she was born to the sage named Katyayana, she was called Katyayani.
Architecture of Katyayani Temple
Katyayani Temple is a very ancient temple mentioned in the Bhagavatham.
This present temple was constructed by Yogiraj Swami Keshvanand Bramachari in 1923, under the guidance of his Guru Sri Lahiri Mahasaya. Katyayani is the most magnificent temple built in the Nagara style of architecture.
The temple was constructed using white marble, while the pillars were made of black stone.
The huge and spacious mantapam can accommodate bhajans, gatherings, and Kirtans.
The exterior wall of the temple features intricate carvings of various forms of Katyayani, the pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna.
Timings of Katyayani Temple
Katyayani temple is open for darshan on all days of the week. For Darshan, follow the timings below.
Morning: 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 4:00 to 8:30 PM
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best time to visit Katyayani Temple. During this winter season, it is the best time to explore the divine places in Vrindavana.
Nearby Places to Visit
Bankey Bihari Temple: This is the most famous temple in Vrindavana dedicated to the worship of Banke Biahrji.
ISKCON Temple: It is a Gaudiya Vaishnava temple dedicated to the worship of Krishna and Balarama.
Sri Ranganatha Temple: It is a famous temple in Vrindavana, where Lord Krishna is worshiped as Ranganatha Swamy along with Goda Devi. It is also known as Rangaji Temple.
Mathura: This is the sacred site for the devotees of Lord Sri Krishna. This is the birthplace of Lord Sri Krishna.
How to Reach Katyayani Temple
Embark on your spiritual journey to the land of Vrindavana and visit Katyayani Temple. To visit this temple, join Tirtha Yatra’s Vrajabhumi Yatra. All your needs are well taken care of.
Also, prefer the following routes.
By Air: Agra Airport is the nearest airport. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the nearest airport. From these airports, autos, taxis, or bus facilities are available.
By Railway: Mathura Railway Station is the nearest railway station. It is located just 13 km away from the temple. From here, you can hire a taxi, cab, or auto to reach the temple. Also, bus facilities are available.
By Road: The nearest bus stop is Vrindavana, 1 km away. New Mathura Bus Stand is the closest bus stand. It is located 11.8 km from the temple. In the town of Vrindavana, there are many auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, taxis, and cabs available.
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