Chaitra Navratri is an auspicious festival widely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. The nine-day celebration honours Maa Durga and her nine forms, known as Navadurgas, which include Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmcharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Sidhidatri.
During the festival, devotees worship Maa Durga and her nine forms, fast, consume satvik food, and ask for the goddess's blessings. Today, we will talk about the seventh form of the Goddess Durga, Maa Kalaratri.
Maa Kalratri temple, located in Varanasi, is considered a very ancient temple. | mekhalajois/Instagram
Who is Maa Kalaratri ?
Maa Kalaratri is the seventh form of Maa Durga. It is believed that worshipping Maa Kalaratri protects her devotees from evil powers and death. She removes fear and provides courage and strength to fight. Despite her fearsome appearance, Maa Kalaratri is a symbol of protection, courage, and strength.
Her name, Kala, means time or death, and Ratri means night. Maa Kalaratri has four hands, and unlike other avatars of Navdurga, who ride lion, or tiger, Kalaratri can be seen seated on a black donkey.
Which colour is followed on Navratri Day 7?
Grey is the colour that is designated for the seventh day of Chaitra Navratri. This colour represents transformation and renewal. This year, on the seventh day of Navratri, devotees should wear Grey colour.
Holy Chants of Kalaratri
The mantra of the goddess is "- क्लीं ऐं श्री कालिकायै नम:", "-ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कालरात्र्यै नम: -एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता."
Puja Vidhi of Maa Kalaratri
On auspicious days, devotees should wake up early, clean their houses with Ganga Jal, and take a bath before sunrise. Clean the area of the temple and create an asan for Goddess Kalaratri. Put a grey plain cloth on the asan and place the goddess's idol on it. Offer grey colour clothes and flowers to the deity.
Start worshipping the goddess by lighting a diya using desi ghee in front of the idol. Present traditional offerings such as betel leaves (paan), areca nut (supari), cloves (laung), honey, and cardamom (elaichi). After all this, offer coconut and different types of fruits which is available to you. Devotees should recite Durga Chalisa and Durga Saptashati and then perform Devi Kalaratri aarti.
