After Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Mata Kushmanda. Maa Skandamata and Maa Katyayani, we acquaint ourselves with Maa Kalaratri’s legend
Etymologically, Maa Kalaratri’s name is an ode to the power of the night and its darkness. Maa Kalaratri’s name also adds personification to the all-encompassing nature of time, courtesy of the term ‘Kala’ which simultaneously refers to both time as well as darkness. ‘Ratri’ on the other hand is a more direct reference to the powerful night time. This wisdom, as per the Rigveda, first came to Sage Kushika, who realised the immensely powerful aura of the night time, which he called upon then, in the form of a Goddess.
Day 7 of Navratri this year, dated October 9, is dedicated to Maa Kalaratri
‘It’s darkest before the dawn’:
is a worthy analogy to understand the prime place of honour that the darkest of nights receives in Hindu mythology. The legend goes, that in a bid to defeat the powerful demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, all the Gods of Devalok, led by Lord Indra, approached Lord Shiva, praying to Goddess Parvati to aide them in their battle. Parvati created Chandi who in turn created Maa Kalaratri. It is at this point that the lore of Raktabija comes in. Raktabija was a demon who was granted the boon of every drop of his blood, being able to birth a demon as soon as it hit the ground, something which made him formidable. Maa Kalaratri swallowed all his blood, something which helped the Gods win the war. However, the blood birthed fire and destruction within her, which prompted her to set off on a rampage. The Gods looked to Lord Shiva once again for help. Lord Shiva, in a bid to stop her, simply came under her. Seeing her husband under her foot, Maa Kalaratri’s tongue came out an imagery which is very popularly worshipped as Maa Kali. This is then how, peace was restored.
Spiritually, Maa Kalaratri also presides over the Sahasrara chakra or the crown chakra which is associated with the facets of inner knowing, evolving knowledge and transcendent wisdom.
Simple ways to pay your respect
You can honour Maa Kalaratri by including something blue in your attire for the day. Chanting ‘Oṃ Devī Kālarātryai Namaḥ‘ and:
‘Karalvandana dhoram muktkeshi chaturbhujam।
Kaal Ratrim karalikaam divyam vidyutmala vibhushitam॥’,
in congruence with an offering of gur (jaggery), which will banish your sorrows and usher in prosperity as blessings from Maa Kalaratri.
Navratri 2024 Day 7: Puja Rituals
To honour Goddess Kalaratri, devotees perform various rituals that include chanting her sacred mantras. The primary mantra associated with her worship is:
- Mantras
| ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah॥ |
This mantra is a powerful invocation that calls upon her blessings and guidance.
Navratri 2024 Day 7: Colour of the Day – Royal Blue
- prarthana (prayer)
| एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता।लम्बोष्ठी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्त शरीरिणी॥वामपादोल्लसल्लोह लताकण्टकभूषणा।वर्धन मूर्धध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयङ्करी॥Ekaveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita.Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini.Vamapadollasalloha Latakantakabhushana.Vardhana Murdhadhwaja Krishna Kalaratrirbhayankari. |
This prayer invokes her protection and embodies her essence, allowing devotees to connect with her energy.
Navratri 2024 Day-wise Colour Guide: Meaning, Goddess, and Symbolic Significance
- Stuti (Hymn)
Devotees also chant the following stuti (hymn) as a form of devotion:
| या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता।नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kalaratri Rupena Samsthita.Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah. |
As you celebrate the seventh day of Navratri, embrace the powerful energy of Goddess Kalaratri. Engage in her rituals, recite her mantras, and seek her blessings for protection and courage. May her auspicious presence guide you through challenges and inspire you to rise above fear. Celebrate this day with devotion and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Navratri!
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