ॐ Navratri: The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga – Day 7 Worshipping Maa Kalaratri (2024)

ॐ The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga – Day 7 Worshipping Maa Kalaratri (2024)

On Navratri Day 7, we honor Maa Kalaratri, the fierce form of Durga. This blog delves into her powerful symbolism, the significance of wearing white, the bhog to offer, and her legendary battle with demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Discover how her energy helps conquer negativity and inspires transformation.

Navratri Day 7: Maa Kalaratri, symbolises her spiritual and cosmic power based on the description you provided. The imagery reflects her dark complexion, fiery eyes, sword, iron hook, unkempt hair, and other significant elements of her divine form.

The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to the fierce and powerful form of Goddess Durga, known as Maa Kalaratri. This form represents the destructive force of the goddess, removing ignorance, negativity, and all forms of evil. Maa Kalaratri’s name is derived from two Sanskrit words—"Kaal," meaning time or death, and "Ratri," meaning night— together symbolizing the aspect of time's end, the eternal cosmic night.

As devotees celebrate the seventh day of Navratri in 2024, they honour the mother who destroys all ignorance, blesses her devotees with wisdom, and paves the way for spiritual liberation. Worshipping Maa Kalaratri signifies the transition from the worldly to the divine, from ignorance to enlightenment.

On this holy occasion of Navratri, ensure divine blessings for your family's prosperity, health, and protection by offering your prayers at one of the most revered spiritual sites — the sacred Shaktipeeth and Jyotirlinga, Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar. We invite you to experience the grace of Maa Durga and Lord Shiva by booking your pooja and darshan with us, either online or in person. At Baidhyanath.org, we are honoured to provide this service to you with complete transparency—no booking fees, no hidden charges—just pure devotion. Click Here.

Navratri Day 7 Pooja Muhurat: Maa Kalaratri Puja Timings

• Navratri Saptami Tithi Begins: 1:12 AM
• Shubh Muhurat for Maa Kalaratri Puja: 5:33 PM to 5:58 PM

Navratri Day 7 Goddess: Who is Maa Kalaratri?

Maa Kalaratri, the seventh form of Goddess Durga, is often called the "Night of Death" or the "Dark Goddess." Maa Kalaratri is the most ferocious and terrifying form of Goddess Durga. According to the Skanda Purana and the Markandeya Purana, Maa Kalaratri emerges from the goddess's body to eradicate demons and negativity. She symbolizes the dark side of nature and time, both destructive and regenerative, leading toward spiritual awakening.

She is often described as Kali, not to be confused with the goddess Kali, but an aspect of the great Goddess Parvati herself. This form of the goddess emphasizes that fear and ignorance must be confronted for spiritual progress. Despite her terrifying appearance, her fierce demeanour is symbolic of a benevolent purpose: the removal of evil forces. Her dark complexion and unkempt hair, combined with her three eyes and the blazing fire that emerges from her breath, make her a fearsome figure. Her vehicle is a donkey, symbolizing humility, and she holds a weapon in one hand, while with the other, she offers blessings of fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra).

In the Durga Saptashati (part of the Markandeya Purana), Maa Kalaratri plays a key role in destroying the asuras Shumbha and Nishumbha, as well as the dreaded demon Raktabeej. Her role in vanquishing these evil forces represents the cosmic cycle of creation and destruction, reminding us of the transient nature of life and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Navratri Day 7 Goddess: Maa Kalaratri: Spiritual Symbolism in the Depiction

Maa Kalaratri’s appearance, though terrifying, carries deep symbolic meaning. Her dark complexion represents the infinite void and the darkness before creation. This dark aspect is Tamas, one of the three gunas (qualities) of the material world according to the Bhagavad Gita, representing inertia, destruction, and chaos. However, this destruction is necessary for new creation and the removal of impurities.

1. Three Eyes: Her three eyes signify the sun, moon, and fire, the sources of light in the universe. These eyes also represent her ability to perceive the past, present, and future, as well as her omniscient nature.
2. Sword and Iron Hook: The sword represents jnana (knowledge), which cuts through ignorance, while the iron hook is a symbol of justice and order, used to control unruly forces in the universe.
3. Unkempt Hair: Her wild, dishevelled hair represents the boundlessness of her cosmic form, defying any attempt to contain or control her immense power.
4. Abhaya Mudra (Fearlessness): Her raised hand in the Abhaya Mudra offers protection and fearlessness to her devotees, even in the face of the most terrifying adversities.
5. Fire Breath: Her breath, which emanates flames, signifies the fiery energy required to purify the universe and destroy negativity.
6. Donkey as Her Vehicle: The donkey represents humility and the notion that Maa Kalaratri’s power is for the humble and righteous.

Navratri Day 7: Devotees worshipping Maa Kalaratri, offering bhog in a spiritually vibrant atmosphere. Her dark complexion represents the infinite void and the darkness before creation. This dark aspect is Tamas, one of the three gunas (qualities) of the material world according to the Bhagavad Gita, representing inertia, destruction, and chaos.

Maa Kalaratri’s symbolism urges her devotees to face their fears, confront the negative tendencies within themselves, and embrace the purifying and transformative power of the goddess.

Navratri Day 7 Goddess: Origin of Maa Kalaratri in Hindu Scriptures

The story of Maa Kalaratri is mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Skanda Purana, Durga Saptashati, and the Kalika Purana. One of the most prominent stories is her battle with the demon Raktabeej.

In the Markandeya Purana, when the demon Raktabeej terrorized the heavens, he was given a boon that for every drop of blood that fell from his body, a new demon would be created. During the battle, Maa Kalaratri, seeing that his blood would produce an infinite number of demons, drank every drop of his blood before it could touch the ground. This ferocious act eliminated him and restored cosmic balance. This tale underscores her role as the destroyer of multiplicative ignorance and evil, paving the way for wisdom and spiritual awakening.

Another mention of Maa Kalaratri is found in the Mahabharata, where she was invoked by the Pandavas before the battle of Kurukshetra. She was worshipped for protection and ultimate victory, symbolizing the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness).

What Bhog Should Be Offered on Navratri Day 7 for Maa Kalaratri?

On the seventh day of Navratri, devotees offer jaggery to Maa Kalaratri. This offering symbolizes sweetness and prosperity, signifying the goddess's blessings for peace, success, and the removal of bitterness from life.

Navratri 2024 Day 7: Significance of Day 7 Colour: White

The color for the seventh day of Navratri is white, symbolizing purity, peace, and wisdom. While Maa Kalaratri’s form may appear dark and fearsome, her blessings bring serenity and clarity to the soul. White represents the purging of negativity and the dawn of spiritual enlightenment.

Spiritual Significance of Worshiping Maa Kalaratri

Maa Kalaratri’s worship represents the triumph of good over evil, both in the external world and within ourselves. In the journey of self-realization, the worship of Maa Kalaratri symbolizes the destruction of the ego, attachments, and illusions (Maya). Her energy allows devotees to transcend material limitations and progress toward higher states of consciousness.

The Chandogya Upanishad mentions that ignorance is like darkness, and only the light of knowledge can remove it. Maa Kalaratri embodies that light, guiding her devotees through the darkness of ignorance into the radiant light of wisdom and liberation.

Navratri Day 7 Stories: The Demon Raktabīja

One of the most famous stories associated with Maa Kalaratri is her battle with the demon Raktabīja, whose name translates to "blood seed." According to the Markandeya Purana, Raktabīja had a unique boon: every drop of his blood that touched the ground would give rise to another demon, making him nearly invincible in battle. The gods were unable to defeat him, as every time they injured him, more demons would spring from his blood, multiplying his army.

Maa Kalaratri was summoned by Goddess Durga to defeat this demon. Her fearsome form, dark as the night, came to the battlefield, and with her unparalleled ferocity, she began her attack on Raktabīja. As her sword sliced through him, she realized that more demons were being created with each drop of blood. To prevent this, Maa Kalaratri extended her immense tongue and drank every drop of his blood before it could fall to the ground. In this way, she vanquished Raktabīja and restored cosmic balance.

This story emphasizes the goddess's tamasic (destructive) aspect, showing that she is capable of eliminating ignorance and negativity, symbolized by the ever-multiplying Raktabīja. Her ability to contain the blood reflects her power to control endless cycles of ignorance and ego, making her the ultimate protector.

Navratri Day 7 Stories: The Demons Shumbha and Nishumbha

The Durga Saptashati, part of the Markandeya Purana, recounts the tale of Shumbha and Nishumbha, two powerful demon brothers who sought to dominate the heavens and the earth. After they acquired tremendous power, the gods became fearful and called upon the goddess to defeat them.

In response, Maa Kalaratri manifested as a fierce warrior form of Durga. The demons, though initially arrogant, were no match for her ferocity and divine strength. The battle was intense and prolonged, with Maa Kalaratri displaying immense power and rage. She was accompanied by her other forms, who together fought relentlessly. Eventually, Maa Kalaratri single-handedly annihilated Nishumbha and later killed Shumbha after a climactic battle, thus ensuring the safety of the gods and the universe.

This story illustrates her role as a protector of dharma

Navratri Day 7 Stories: The Goddess of the Night

Maa Kalaratri is closely associated with night and darkness. However, in Hindu symbolism, darkness does not merely represent evil; it also signifies the unknown, the hidden aspects of reality, and the deep, transformative potential that lies beyond ordinary understanding. Night is often considered a time of rest, reflection, and preparation for spiritual awakening. Maa Kalaratri, as the goddess of the night, embodies this protective and transformative aspect.

According to ancient texts like the Chandogya Upanishad, darkness or ignorance (avidya) can only be dispelled by the light of knowledge. Maa Kalaratri is seen as a divine force that guides devotees through the metaphorical "night" of their lives, helping them to confront fears, insecurities, and the unknown. Her devotees believe that she protects those who travel at night, both physically and spiritually, guiding them through the dark phases of their journey until they reach enlightenment.

Her presence assures devotees that no matter how dark or challenging the path may seem, her divine protection will lead them toward spiritual realization and liberation.

Navratri Day 7 Stories: The Goddess of the Kali Yuga

Maa Kalaratri is often considered the presiding deity of the Kali Yuga, the current era according to Hindu cosmology. The Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana describe Kali Yuga as a period characterized by increasing levels of spiritual degradation, moral decline, and materialism. It is said that during this time, people become more entangled in worldly desires, and the forces of adharma (unrighteousness) gain strength.

Maa Kalaratri, the goddess of destruction, plays a critical role in helping people navigate the challenges of the Kali Yuga. Her power to destroy ignorance, ego, and material attachments is seen as essential during this era, where spiritual paths are obscured by illusion (Maya) and distractions. Worshipping her is believed to help individuals resist the temptations and vices prevalent in the Kali Yuga, granting them the strength to remain on the path of righteousness (dharma).

In this sense, Maa Kalaratri is viewed as a spiritual guide who helps her devotees transcend the limitations of this age and attain moksha (liberation).

Navratri Day 7 Stories: The Goddess of Death

In Hindu philosophy, death is not seen as an end but as a transition from one state of existence to another. Maa Kalaratri, often associated with death, is not feared but revered for her role in bringing about the necessary end of the physical body, allowing the soul to continue its journey toward liberation.

In the Garuda Purana, which deals with death, the afterlife, and karma, Kalaratri is described as a force that helps souls transition from the physical plane to higher realms. She destroys the fear of death, helping her devotees understand that death is simply a part of the divine cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution. By worshipping Maa Kalaratri, one can overcome the fear of mortality and gain the wisdom to understand the soul's eternal nature.

Her fierce form symbolizes the destruction of attachment to the physical body, enabling the soul to transcend worldly limitations and achieve spiritual freedom.

Rituals and Traditions for Worshipping on Day 7 of Navratri: Worship Maa Kalaratri

The seventh day of Navratri is marked by deep devotion and reverence toward Maa Kalaratri. The rituals performed on this day are designed to invoke her blessings and to seek her protection against evil forces.

1. Sankalp (Vow): Begin by taking a vow to perform the puja with a pure heart and full devotion. This signifies the commitment to spiritual growth and the destruction of inner demons.
2. Dhyana (Meditation): Meditation on Maa Kalaratri’s form and her fierce attributes allows devotees to connect with her energy. This meditation helps to instil fearlessness and protection from negative forces.
3. Japa (Chanting): Repeated chanting of her name or specific mantras is believed to invoke her presence and blessings. The most commonly used mantra for her worship is: "ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥" (Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah)
4. Offerings: Jaggery is often offered to Maa Kalaratri, as it is believed to please her. This offering symbolizes sweetness and the eradication of bitterness in life.
5. Aarti and Bhajans: Singing devotional songs and performing aarti in front of her idol or image further invokes her blessings. The flames of the aarti symbolize the light of knowledge that dispels the darkness of ignorance.

Pooja Vidhi for Navratri Day 7 (Seven): Worshiping Maa Kalaratri

1. Preparation: Start the puja by cleaning the worship space, lighting a ghee diya (lamp), and offering incense.
2. Invoke the Goddess: Recite the Durga Saptashati, focusing on the chapter describing Maa Kalaratri’s exploits.
3. Offer Flowers and Prasad: Offer red flowers to the goddess and jaggery or jaggery-based sweets as prasad.
4. Chant Mantras: Chant her mantras and offer prayers asking for her protection and blessings.
5. Perform Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing the aarti, using camphor or ghee, to purify the atmosphere and honour the goddess.

Navratri Day 7: Mantras for Maa Kalaratri Pujan

The chanting of mantras during Maa Kalaratri’s puja is believed to bring divine protection and blessings:

"ॐ कालरात्र्यै नमः" (Om Kalaratryai Namah)
"जयन्ती मंगला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी।
दुर्गा शिवा क्षमा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तु ते॥"
"ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥"
(Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah)
"एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता।
लम्बोष्ठी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी॥"

These mantras remove obstacles, protect from negative influences, help in attaining spiritual enlightenment and also protect the devotee from negative energies and fears while invoking the protective qualities of Maa Kalaratri.

Navratri Day 7 Aarti: Aarti of Maa Kalaratri

Aarti is the concluding ritual of any puja. It brings positive vibrations and helps devotees connect with the divine. Here is the full aarti for Maa Kalaratri:

Jai Kalaratri Mata, Jai Kalaratri Mata
Tujhse Hi Jag Mein Hota Sukhdata
Jai Kalaratri Mata...
O Kalaratri, Mother Divine, all victory to you. You are the giver of
happiness and peace to the world.
Tere Hi Darshan Se Sab Hota Hai Sukhala
Teri Sharan Mein Aaya Jo Paya Vardaan
Jai Kalaratri Mata...
Your divine sight brings immense joy and removes suffering. Whoever
seeks refuge in you receives your blessings.
Teri Mahima Agadh Hai, Tere Charno Ki Sharan
Dukh Harta Tu Hai, Sab Pe Tere Hi Karaj
Jai Kalaratri Mata...
Your glory is beyond measure, and those who surrender at your feet find
relief from all sorrows. You carry out your divine will for the welfare of all.
Yash Vibhuti Mile Tujo Bhakta Jo Bhave Tujhe
Teri Kripa Se Sabka Hota Hai Kalyan
Jai Kalaratri Mata...

This Aarti is sung while offering a lit lamp (usually made of ghee) and circling it before the idol of Maa Kalaratri. The aarti marks the culmination of the puja, invoking her blessings to dispel fear, evil, and darkness from the lives of her devotees.

Navratri Day 7 Puja Samagri for Worshiping Maa Kalaratri

1. Red flowers (preferably hibiscus)
2. Red cloth or dupatta
3. Kumkum and roli
4. Camphor (Kapoor)
5. Incense sticks (agarbatti) and dhoop
6. Ghee for lighting the diya
7. Jaggery as prasad
8. Offerings of fruits, particularly jaggery-based sweets

The Significance of the Donkey as Maa Kalaratri's Mount

Maa Kalaratri’s mount, the donkey, holds deep symbolic meaning in Hindu tradition. Unlike the majestic animals other goddesses ride, the donkey represents humility, endurance, and accessibility. It reflects Kalaratri’s connection to the common people, showing that her blessings are available to all, regardless of status. The donkey's role as a burden-bearer aligns with the goddess’s function of carrying away fear, ignorance, and negativity. This humble mount reminds devotees that the path to spiritual liberation requires resilience, humility, and the strength to endure life's challenges without pride.

Conclusion

Maa Kalaratri, worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri, is the embodiment of both destruction and regeneration. She destroys ignorance, negativity, and evil, making way for the light of knowledge, truth, and spiritual enlightenment. Worshipping her during Navratri helps devotees overcome inner fears, purifies the soul, and prepares the seeker for spiritual transformation.

As we honour Maa Kalaratri on the seventh day of Navratri in 2024, may her fierce yet benevolent presence bring peace, wisdom, and fearlessness to all who seek her blessings.

" May Maa Kalaratri bless your Navratri celebrations in 2024 with harmony, strength, and wisdom! "
~ Team Baidhyanath.Org