In a spiritual gesture reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the Mahasaptami of Navratri by paying obeisance to Goddess Kaalratri, a formidable and revered form of the divine feminine. His message, shared with the nation, sought blessings from this deity known for her role in dispelling negative energies and obliterating obstacles.
The Prime Minister’s message, posted on this special occasion, read: “On the Mahasaptami of Navratri, salutations to Maa Kalratri, the destroyer of negative powers. I request the auspicious Goddess Maa, who removes all obstacles, to shower her blessings on everyone.”
Goddess Kaalratri, also referred to as Kalaratri, is the seventh among the nine forms of Navadurga, the divine manifestations of the goddess Mahadevi. She is mentioned in the ancient Hindu scripture Devi Mahatmya and is considered one of the fearsome forms of the goddess.
“While it is not uncommon to find the names Kali and Kalaratri used interchangeably, some argue that they represent distinct deities. Kali first appears in Hinduism as a distinct goddess around 300 BCE, primarily in the Mahabharata, a text believed to have been written between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE”.
Kalaratri is traditionally worshipped during the nine nights of Navaratri, with particular reverence bestowed upon her on the seventh day of the Navaratri pooja. She is regarded as the fiercest form of the mother goddess, evoking awe with her very presence. This form of the goddess is believed to be the vanquisher of demons, evil spirits, and negative energies, all of which flee upon her arrival.
In the ancient Tantric text, the Saudhikagama, referenced in the Silpa Prakasha, Goddess Kalaratri is depicted as the ruler of the night, presiding over both day and night. She is also associated with the crown chakra, known as the Sahasrara chakra, which is believed to bestow knowledge, power, and wealth upon her devotees.
Goddess Kalaratri is also known as Shubankari, signifying auspiciousness and benevolence, as it is believed that she always grants favorable outcomes to her worshippers, instilling fearlessness within them.
Among her lesser-known names are Raudri and Dhumorna, each contributing to the multifaceted and enigmatic nature of this formidable goddess.
