Maa Kalratri, the seventh form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri, also known as Saptami. She is known for her fierce form and is believed to destroy all evil forces, offering protection and fearlessness to her devotees.
Despite her terrifying appearance, Maa Kalratri is known for her immense kindness and bestows her devotees with peace, prosperity, and success.
In this article, we will explore the significance, mythology, and the rituals associated with Maa during Navratri, along with the benefits of worshipping her.
Table of Contents
The Significance of Maa Kalratri
Maa is the symbol of the destruction of ignorance and the removal of darkness. The name “Kalratri” is derived from two words: “Kaal” meaning death, and “Ratri” meaning night. She is the embodiment of the darkest night and is believed to be the one who ends darkness by illuminating the path of righteousness.
She rides a donkey and holds a sword, a trident (trishul), and a vajra (thunderbolt) in her hands. Her terrifying form with a black complexion, three eyes, and wild hair represents her readiness to eliminate negative energies and evil spirits. Despite her ferocious form, she is also known as “Shubhankari,” which means the one who does good, as she brings auspiciousness and hope to her devotees.
In some of the stories she is also considered as the consort of Kal Bhairav.
The Legend Behind Maa Kalratri
According to ancient scriptures, Maa Kalratri appeared to defeat the demon Raktabeej. Raktabeej was a powerful demon who had a boon that every drop of his blood falling on the ground would create a new Raktabeej. To stop him, Maa consumed all his blood and destroyed him, thus freeing the world from his tyranny. Her act signifies the ultimate victory of good over evil.
The Benefits of Worshipping Maa Kalratri
Devotees who worship Maa Kalratri are said to receive the following benefits:
- Courage and Fearlessness:
Maa provides fearlessness to her devotees and gives them the strength to face challenges in life. - Protection from Evil:
She destroys all negative energies and evil forces, protecting her devotees from harm and evil influences. - Prosperity and Success:
Worshipping Maa during Navratri brings prosperity, success, and happiness to her devotees’ lives. - Spiritual Growth:
She helps her devotees overcome ignorance and guides them toward spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
Maa Kalratri Puja Vidhi
To invoke the blessings of Maa, it is important to follow the correct rituals (puja vidhi) on the seventh day of Navratri:
- Preparation of the Puja Area:
Clean the puja area thoroughly and purify it by sprinkling Ganga jal. Place the idol or picture of Maa on a raised platform. - Offerings to Maa Kalratri:
Offer red flowers, especially hibiscus, which are considered highly auspicious. Light a lamp (diya) using ghee, and offer incense, fruits, and sweets like jaggery and halwa. - Mantra Chanting:
Recite the following mantra to seek Maa’s blessings:
“ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः।” - Perform Aarti:
Perform the aarti of Maa with devotion, and sing her praises to invoke her blessings. Offer her prasad to conclude the puja. - Meditation and Reflection:
After the puja, spend some time meditating in front of Maa’s image to seek her divine guidance and protection.
The Color of the Day – Black
On the seventh day of Navratri, black is considered the color of the day, symbolizing strength and the defeat of negative energies. Devotees wear black clothes while worshipping Maa to honor her and seek her protection.
Maa Kalratri, though terrifying in appearance, is a compassionate form of Goddess Durga who protects her devotees from all evil forces. Her worship during Navratri is a reminder of the power of good over evil and the importance of courage in life. By worshipping Maa devotees not only gain her blessings of fearlessness and protection but also spiritual growth and prosperity.