Navratri Day 7: Maa Kaalratri – Destroyer of Negativity and Fear

Among the nine forms of Goddess Durga, Kaalratri is the fiercest incarnation known. Her appearance is dark in complexion. She adorns a garland of demon heads, a rosary, and primary weapons, including a trishul and a khadag. Besides these, she also carries a blood-stained severed head and a vessel to store blood. 

Her mount is a donkey, which represents simplicity and humility. The animal also signifies that Maa Kali's divine blessings are accessible to all living beings, regardless of social status. Read further to know the mythological fact behind this fearsome manifestation of Maa Durga and the rules to follow for the seventh day of Navratri puja.

The Legend of Maa Kaalratri’s Fearsome Avatar

The seventh day of Navratri is devoted to Maa Kaalratri, or Goddess Kali. Her appearance might seem dreadful with unkempt hair, blazing eyes, a popping tongue, and a posture evoking fear, but she is very benevolent towards her devotees who worship her with full faith. Now, let's unveil the mythological fact behind Maa Durga's terrifying avatar. 

According to mythological lore, when the universe was under the dark influence of Shumbh and Nishumbh, Parvati took the form of Kali and annihilated the demon brothers. Another story is of the Raktbeej demon, who had a boon from Brahma that wherever his blood would drop, his forms would multiply.

Hence, to stop his blood drop from falling to the ground, Maa Kali carried a vessel where she could collect the blood while slaying the severed head of the demon. When she became outraged with anger and was becoming uncontrollable, Lord Shiva reclined calmly to soothe her aggression. While approaching in a raging mood, she mistakenly put her foot on his chest and popped out her tongue, expressing oversight. And so it became her signature posture, now widely revered.

Why is Maa Kalaratri worshipped

 The appearance of Goddess Kali has a deep-rooted meaning. Her name, Kaalratri, is a fusion of two words, "Kaal," meaning time or death, and "Ratri," indicating night, darkness, and also ignorance. Worshipping her on the seventh day makes devotees blessed with protection against negative energies, encourages confidence, and removes malefic effects of planets.

Day 7 rituals to remove negative energy

 If you feel influenced by any negative energy, then worshipping Goddess Kali on the seventh day of Navratri is the ultimate solution. All you have to do is follow the rituals given below.

• Get up early in the morning and take a holy bath.
• Ensure that your surroundings are clean, especially the temple
• Lighten diyas and incense sticks with a fragrant, aromatic smell
• Offer kumkum, bhog prasad, lemon garland, jaggery, fruits and sesame seeds
• Don’t forget to offer a red hibiscus flower, as it is dear to Maa Kali
• To develop strength and courage, chant Kali mantras
• Conclude the puja with the aarti of the presiding goddess

What to do on seventh day of Navratri

• On the seventh day of Navratri, visit the nearby temples and offer your prayers to Maa Kali for your well-being.
• Participate in Kali aarti with your family, including children and elders.
• Observe a fast on this day, consuming only satvik food.
• Refrain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, and garlic.
• In some cultures, Devi Kali is also offered wine and fish

Powerful mantras of Kaalratri

Chanting Kali mantras is beneficial in evading fear and negativity in your life. Here are the three powerful beej mantras of Maa Kaalratri.

• ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥
• ॐ क्रीं कालिकायै नमः॥
• ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं क्लीं कालिके क्लीं श्रीं ह्रीं ऐं॥

Black color significance in Navratri

According to Hindu belief, black represents negativity and doom. Hence, wearing black during these auspicious days attracts negativity that hinders your spiritual progress. Instead, you can opt for orange to invoke Maa Kali, who symbolizes warmth, positivity, enthusiasm, and courage to face fear.

*This article is based on the facts described in religious texts and scriptures. Our aim is not to hurt any religion or belief, but simply to share cultural and religious knowledge.