Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, reaches its seventh day with reverence for Maa Kalratri. This day holds immense significance as devotees pay homage to the fierce and powerful form of Goddess Durga, known for her ability to destroy ignorance and darkness.
Who is Maa Kalratri?
Maa Kalratri is one of Maa Durga's nine avatars who are worshipped on Day 7, or Saptami tithi, of Chaitra Navratri. She is the deadliest manifestation of Goddess Parvati, ruling Saturn. She has a dark complexion, rides a donkey, and is represented with four hands: right hands in Abhaya and Varada Mudra, and left hands wielding a sword and a lethal iron hook.
Despite her fearsome appearance, Maa Kalratri is revered for her protective nature. She is known to favour her devotees with anything they ask from her, eliminating hindrances and distresses. This powerful goddess safeguards her devotees from all devils and is also called Goddess Shubhankari, Goddess Mahayogishwari, and Goddess Mahayogini.
Maa Kalratri is the destroyer of all evil and negativity. She protects her devotees from all harm and danger. Her flower is the Night's Queen, symbolizing her association with the night and her role in dispelling darkness.
Significance of Maa Kalratri
On this day, devotees seek Maa Kalratri's blessings to overcome fears, negativity, and inner demons. She is also believed to bestow boons (Varada Mudra) and protection (Abhaya Mudra). Her blessings are sought for protection from harm and the courage to face life's challenges with resilience and determination.
Maa Kalratri's significance extends beyond her role as a protector; she is also a symbol of strength and courage. Her fierce demeanor represents the destruction of ignorance and evil forces, making her a revered figure in Hindu mythology.
Puja Rituals and Timings
This year, Day 7 of Chaitra Navratri falls on April 15, Monday, according to Drik Panchang. The auspicious timings for performing the puja on this day are as follows: Saptami Tithi begins at 11:44 am on April 14 and ends at 12:11 pm on April 15. The Brahma Muhurat is from 4:26 am to 5:11 am, Abhijit Muhurat from 11:56 am to 12:47 pm, and Vijay Muhurat from 2:30 pm to 3:21 pm.
To perform the puja, devotees wake up early, take a ritual bath, and prepare for the worship of Maa Kalratri. The puja area is decorated with flowers, diyas (earthen lamps), and other traditional items. The idol or image of Maa Kalratri is adorned with red-coloured attire and ornaments, symbolizing her fierce and protective nature.
Devotees offer fruits, flowers, sweets, and other traditional delicacies to the Goddess. Special mantras and hymns dedicated to Maa Kalratri are chanted throughout the day to seek her blessings for strength, courage, and protection.
The puja rituals include lighting a lamp or diya in front of her idol, offering red flowers and sweets, and chanting mantras like 'Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah' or reciting her stuti (devotional hymns). Concluding the puja with an aarti (prayerful offering of light) is also an essential part of the ritual.
Grey is the colour associated with Maa Kalratri, symbolizing mystery and resilience. Wearing grey attire is believed to attract her blessings. Jaggery-based sweets are offered as Prasad (offering) during the puja.
By observing these rituals and seeking Maa Kalratri's blessings, devotees hope to conquer negativity, embrace inner strength, and receive divine protection during Chaitra Navratri.
