The auspicious festival of Shardiya Navratri is celebrated with great devotion across India, honoring the nine avatars of Maa Durga. As we enter the seventh day, also known as Saptami, devotees focus their worship on Maa Kalaratri, one of the fiercest incarnations of Goddess Durga. Here’s everything you need to know about the goddess, her significance, rituals, and more.
Maa Kalaratri is the seventh form of Maa Durga, known for her fierce appearance and destructive power. With a dark complexion and four hands, she rides a donkey and is depicted holding a sword and an iron hook. Her other two hands are in Abhaya (protection) and Varada (blessings) mudras. According to legend, when Maa Parvati shed her golden skin to fight demons, she assumed the form of Maa Kalaratri.
The story goes that when demons Shumbha, Nishumbha, Chanda, Munda, and Raktabeej wreaked havoc, Goddess Chandi created Maa Kalaratri to defeat them. She successfully killed Chanda and Munda, but Raktabeej posed a unique challenge, as every drop of his blood turned into a clone of himself. Maa Kalaratri drank his blood, ensuring his destruction.
Significance of worshipping Maa Kalaratri
Maa Kalaratri is believed to govern the planet Shani (Saturn) and is also called Goddess Shubhankari, symbolizing the end of darkness. Devotees believe that by worshipping her, she removes all negativity and harmful influences, particularly the malefic effects of Shani. She is also known to bestow peace, courage, and happiness.
Today’s navratri colour for Day 7
Royal blue is the colour of the day, symbolizing richness and serenity. Devotees often wear this colour while performing their rituals to honor Maa Kalaratri.
Shubh muhurat and puja vidhi
As per Drik Panchang, the Brahma Muhurat for Day 7 begins at 4:40 am and ends at 5:29 am on October 9. The Vijaya Muhurat is from 2:05 pm to 2:51 pm. Saptami Tithi begins at 12:14 pm on October 9 and lasts until 12:31 pm on October 10.
Devotees use specific samagri (ritual items), including flowers, incense, and lamps, to worship Maa Kalaratri. The puja involves offering prayers, chanting mantras, and seeking the goddess’s blessings to eliminate darkness and bring prosperity into their lives.
