The Navratri festival is joyously celebrated throughout the country by ardent devotees of Goddess Durga. These nine days of festivity hold profound significance as they commemorate the triumph of good over evil, with Goddess Shakti vanquishing the demon Mahishasura during this period. Each day of this vibrant festival is devoted to honoring one of Shakti’s nine avatars, collectively known as the Navdurgas. After reverently worshipping Maa Katyayani on the sixth day (Shashthi), devotees pay their respects to Maa Kalaratri on the seventh day of Navratri, which is known as Saptami. This year, this auspicious day falls on Sunday, October 2.
Who is Maa Kalaratri?
Maa Kalaratri is a formidable manifestation of Goddess Durga, known for her fearsome attributes. According to legend, she emerged when Goddess Parvati shed her golden outer skin to combat the formidable demons. With a dark complexion, she rides a donkey and adorns a garland of skulls around her neck, wielding four hands. Her right hand is in the Abhaya (protecting) and Varada (blessing) Mudra, while her left-hand holds a sword and a lethal iron hook. Maa Kalaratri is also referred to as Goddess Shubhankari, Goddess Kalratri, and Goddess Kaalratri. Her name is derived from “Kala,” signifying death, and “Ratri,” representing darkness. Therefore, Kalaratri symbolizes the arrival of ‘the end of darkness.
The Story of Maa Kalaratri
Hindu mythology narrates that when the demon brothers Shumbha and Nishumbha, aided by Chanda, Munda, and Raktabeej, vanquished the Gods, Indra and other deities sought the intervention of Goddess Parvati. In response, she created Goddess Chandi to combat the demons. Although Goddess Chandi successfully defeated the other adversaries, she struggled to overcome Chanda, Munda, and Raktabeej. In a bid to triumph over these formidable foes, it is believed that she manifested Maa Kalaratri from her forehead.
Maa Kalaratri engaged in a fierce battle against both demons. While she swiftly vanquished Chanda and Munda, defeating Raktabeej proved to be a formidable challenge. Raktabeej possessed a divine boon from Lord Brahma, which granted him the ability to generate a clone from every drop of his blood that touched the ground. Undaunted by this supernatural advantage, Maa Kalaratri resorted to an ingenious tactic – she began consuming the blood of Raktabeej’s clones. Through her unwavering determination and strategic approach, she ultimately succeeded in defeating Raktabeej.
Significance of Day 7 of Navratri
On the seventh day of Navratri, Maa Kalaratri, who governs the planet Shani, plays a pivotal role in dispelling the adverse influences of this celestial body from the lives of her devotees. She is believed to be a harbinger of happiness, shielding her followers from malevolent forces and bestowing upon them their heart’s desires while eradicating obstacles and sorrow. Her worship during Navratri signifies her power to obliterate darkness and usher in a profound sense of peace to the world.
Maa Kalaratri Puja Mantra and Prarthana
The worship of Maa Kalaratri during Navratri is a time of spiritual connection and seeking her divine blessings. Devotees recite specific mantras and prarthanas (prayers) to invoke her presence and express their devotion. Here are the Puja Mantra and Prarthana dedicated to Maa Kalaratri:
Kalaratri Puja Mantra
Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah।
This mantra is recited to invoke the divine presence of Maa Kalaratri. By chanting this mantra, devotees seek her protection, strength, and blessings to overcome challenges and obstacles in their lives.
Kalaratri Prarthana (Prayer)
“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kalaratri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah।”
Translation: “Salutations to the Goddess, Maa Kalaratri, who resides in all beings as their divine form. I bow to her with reverence.”
This prayer expresses devotion to Maa Kalaratri and acknowledges her omnipresence in all living beings. It seeks her blessings for inner strength, fearlessness, and the removal of darkness from one’s life.
