On the seventh day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Kalratri, the seventh form of Goddess Durga. Although Maa Kalratri's appearance is fierce and terrifying, she is considered extremely auspicious for her devotees and is also known as Shubhankari. Her form symbolizes the destruction of evil forces and negative energies. She eliminates all fears and blesses her devotees with courage, strength, and protection.
Form of Maa Kalratri
- Appearance: Maa Kalratri has a dark, terrifying appearance. She has three eyes that shine like cosmic fire, and her breath emits flames.
- Hair: Her hair is long and disheveled, and she wears a garland of lightning.
- Weapons: Maa Kalratri has four hands. She holds a sword in one hand and a metal weapon in another. The remaining two hands are in the Abhaya (fear-dispelling) and Varada (blessing) mudras.
- Vehicle: Her vehicle is a donkey, symbolizing humility and service.
- Gesture: She carries the gestures of fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra) and blessing (Varada Mudra).
Story of Maa Kalratri
According to mythology, Maa Kalratri assumed her fierce form to destroy demons and negative forces when they began tormenting the gods and humans. Her appearance was so terrifying that demons were frightened just by her name. She killed many demons and freed the world from fear and evil forces.
Worship Ritual of Maa Kalratri
- Bath and Clean Clothes: Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes. Cleanse and purify the worship space.
- Kalash Sthapana (Establishment of Kalash): Place a Kalash (holy pot) in front of the idol or picture of Maa Kalratri. Fill it with Ganga water, a coin, betel nut, and coconut.
- Lighting of Incense and Lamps: Light incense sticks and a lamp before the goddess. Offer flowers, rice, and vermillion to Maa Kalratri.
- Mantra Chanting: Recite the following mantras during the worship:
- Dhyana Mantra:
Ekveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita।
Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini॥
Vamapadollasallohalatakantakabhushana।
Vardhanamurdhadhwaja Krishna Kalratri Bhayankari॥ - Main Mantra:
Om Devi Kalratryai Namah॥
- Dhyana Mantra:
- Offering (Bhog): Offer jaggery or sweets made from jaggery, which is considered Maa Kalratri's favorite offering.
- Aarti: Conclude the worship by performing the Aarti (ritual of waving lamps), while offering the lit ghee lamp to Maa Kalratri.
Dhyana Mantra of Maa Kalratri
Ekveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita।
Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini॥
Vamapadollasallohalatakantakabhushana।
Vardhanamurdhadhwaja Krishna Kalratri Bhayankari॥
Stotra of Maa Kalratri
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kalratri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Purpose and Benefits of Worship
- Worshipping Maa Kalratri removes all kinds of fear, obstacles, and negative energies.
- She grants courage, confidence, and strength to her devotees.
- Her blessings bring peace, protection, and mental calmness.
- Worshipping her awakens the Sahasrara Chakra, which leads to spiritual elevation and wisdom.
Results of Worship
On the seventh day of Navratri, Devotees who worship Maa Kalratri are freed from all crises and receive courage, strength, and patience. With her blessings, devotees conquer enemies, achieve mental peace, and experience spiritual growth.