The majestic Hindu celebration Navaratri is observed in a state of reverence for the multifarious divine avatars of the goddess. The seventh day of Navaratri is for the worship of Goddess Kalaratri, the powerful and fierce incarnation of Durga. She is the destroyer of darknesses, evils, and demoniac forces and provides protection and fearlessness to her devotee.
The Legend of Goddess Kalaratri
Her name Kalaratri is formed from two Sanskrit words, Kaal (death or time) and Ratri (night), which means she is the destroyer of darkness and ignorance. When demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and their leader Raktabeej destroyed the world, Maa Durga was Kalaratri to destroy them. Her divine power was so immense that gods themselves feared her enormous strength.
Raktabeej carried with him a divine boon that gave him virtual immunity—each drop of blood falling off him on to the ground would give rise to a duplicate demon similar to him. Kalaratri neutralized this by sucking his blood in so that it never had the chance of spilling on to the ground, and eventually killed him entirely.
Also Read: 5th Day of Navaratri
Iconography and Symbolism of Goddess Kalaratri
Godsness Kalaratri has black color, loose flowing hair, and three terrifying eyes with fire blazing in them. Goddess rides a donkey, whose symbolic nature reflects humility and patience. Goddess has four hands with two arms holding weapons and noose and two hands giving Abhaya Mudra and Varada Mudra. Even in her terrifying form, she is referred to as Shubhankari, i.e., bestower of auspiciousness, as she drives away all evil thoughts and blesses her devotees.
Significance of Worshiping Goddess Kalaratri
Worship of Goddess Maa Kalaratri on the seventh day of Navaratri is believed to:
Remove fear, evil spirits, and evil forces.
Provide courage, confidence, and divine wisdom.
Increase self-control and inner power.
Remove obstacles in life and bestow success.
Also Read: 6th Day of Navaratri
Rituals and Pooja of Goddess Kalaratri
In order to attain the divine blessings of Maa Kalaratri, devotees perform sacred rituals on the 7th day of Navaratri:
Early Morning Puja – Devotees perform sacred bath at early morning and wear blue-colored dress, as the day is sacred by myth.
Mantras and Offerings – Jaggery, black gram, and sesame seeds are offered while worshipping the goddess. “Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah” is recited as the sacred mantra.
Fasting and Prayers – Devotees primarily keep fast and pray so that they may get her divine blessings.
Recitation of Durga Saptashati – It is spiritually empowered by reading the chapters that narrate the combat between Kalaratri and devils.
Aarti and Bhajans – Reciting the aarti and singing bhajans in admiration of Kalaratri Maa makes one prospered by God and safeguarded.
Comparison with the 6th Day of Navaratri: Goddess Katyayani
Day 6 of Navaratri is the day of Katyayani, the young and energetic incarnation of the war goddess. While Katyayani is Durga’s warrior avatar, the inflictor of justice, there is Kalaratri, the destructive destroyer of ignorance and darkness. Both represent strength and bravery and what they teach is that inner faith and strength defeat evil forces.
Role of Goddess Kalaratri in Modern Life
In the modern times, the vigor of Maa Kalaratri imparted us with some invaluable lessons:
Fighting Fear and Anxiety – Her fearful form urges us to conquer the obstacles in life with force and determination.
Elimination of Negativity – Pujan of Kalaratri destroys adverse thoughts, undesirable influences, and disbelief in one’s self.
Empowerment and Courage – She inspires us to attain self-confidence and be bold amidst adversity.
Spiritual Awakening – By meditating on Kalaratri energy, one becomes spiritually conscious and enlightened.
Relation with Tantra and Spiritual Energy
Goddess Kalaratri has a direct connection with Tantric society and kundalini energy. According to legend, one can open the Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra) of the devotees by her devotion, leading to enlightenment and spiritual liberation. Her energy represents total destruction of ignorance so that seekers achieve moksha (liberation).
Conclusion
Goddess Kalaratri, the most virile and courageous manifestation of Maa Durga, is worshiped on 7th day of Navaratri. She is the finest destroyer of evil forces and upholder of justice. Let us get inspired to destroy all fear, negate negativities, and walk the path of truth and wisdom while seeking her blessings. Her blessings not only save us from troubles but also lead us to light and inner awakening.
Today, the holy day, let us welcome her holy energy and call upon her power within us to meet life’s challenges with passion, dedication, and tenacity.
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