In Indian culture and religion, Maa Durga and Maa Kali are considered revered Shakti forms. She is the supreme form of feminine power and devotion, whose worship removes fear, obstacles, and infuses courage and self-confidence.

Maa Durga and Maa Kali: symbols of power

Durga, meaning “difficult to reach or defeat”, is the embodiment of Adishakti, the original, formless power. She is depicted as a powerful goddess with Ashtabhuja (eight hands), riding on a lion, and holding various weapons for the destruction of demons.

Maa Kali, born from the anger of Lord Shiva, is the goddess of destruction and transformation. She is considered the female form of Kaal or time. Despite being frightening, there is a sense of affection in her image. Mother Kali fights darkness and protects her devotees.

Aarti of Maa Durga and Maa Kali

Aarti is an essential part of Hindu worship in which devotional songs are performed while waving a lamp before the deities amidst the sound of bells and conch shells. The aarti of Maa Durga and Maa Kali praises their qualities, powers and glory and requests their blessings and protection.

Hindu ritual of worship

जय गणेश जय गणेश,
जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती,
पिता महादेवा ॥

एक दंत दयावंत,
चार भुजा धारी ।
माथे सिंदूर सोहे,
मूसे की सवारी ॥

जय गणेश जय गणेश,
जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती,
पिता महादेवा ॥

पान चढ़े फल चढ़े,
और चढ़े मेवा ।
लड्डुअन का भोग लगे,
संत करें सेवा ॥

जय गणेश जय गणेश,
जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती,
पिता महादेवा ॥

अंधन को आंख देत,
कोढ़िन को काया ।
बांझन को पुत्र देत,
निर्धन को माया ॥

जय गणेश जय गणेश,
जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती,
पिता महादेवा ॥

‘सूर’ श्याम शरण आए,
सफल कीजे सेवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती,
पिता महादेवा ॥

जय गणेश जय गणेश,
जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती,
पिता महादेवा ॥

—– Additional —–
दीनन की लाज रखो,
शंभु सुतकारी ।
कामना को पूर्ण करो,
जाऊं बलिहारी ॥

जय गणेश जय गणेश,
जय गणेश देवा ।
माता जाकी पार्वती,
पिता महादेवा ॥

Importance of Maa Durga and Maa Kali Aarti

Performing Mother’s Aarti is considered beneficial in many ways:

• Spiritual Development:  Aarti is a medium of devotion and connecting with God.
• Transmission of positive energy:  The melodious tunes of Aarti create an atmosphere of peace and positivity.
• Help in overcoming obstacles:  It is believed that the blessings of Maa Durga and Maa Kali give strength to face the challenges of life.

Method of worship of Maa Durga/Maa Kali

1. Purification:  Purify yourself and the place of worship by taking bath etc.
2. Sankalp:  Take a brief resolution, which reveals the purpose of the puja.
3. Invocation:  Invoke Maa Durga or Kali to visit your place of worship.
4. Worship:  Offer flowers, fruits, incense, lamp etc. to the idol/picture of the Mother Goddess.
5. Stavana:  Praise the Goddess through mantras, stotras or devotional songs.
6. Aarti:  Sing the aarti of Maa Durga or Maa Kali wholeheartedly.

puja material

• Statue or picture of Maa Durga/Kali
• a garland of flowers
• Roli, Sindoor
• intact
• Fruits, sweets, other offerings
• incense, lamp, oil/ghee
• aarti thali
• Water

Stories related to Maa Durga/Maa Kali Puja

There are many mythological stories associated with Maa Durga and Maa Kali, some of the famous ones are:

• Mahishasura Killing:  The earth was plagued by the atrocities of a demon named Mahishasura. The gods together manifested Adishakti and she took the form of Durga and killed Mahishasura.
• Raktabeej Slaughter:  In the battle with the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, Goddess Durga had to face Raktabeej, a demon whose blood drops gave birth to new demons just like him. Mother Durga took the form of Kali and killed Raktabeej.

Stories of devotees of Maa Durga/Maa Kali

Many devotees have described the miracles of Maa Durga and Maa Kali and the happiness derived from devotion in the heart towards them. In India, countless such examples can be found where worshiping the Mother Goddess in times of crisis saved a devotee’s life, made him successful in an impossible task, or brought peace to his mind.

Benefits of Maa Durga and Maa Kali Puja

• Inner strength:  Worshiping mother increases a person’s self-confidence and gives strength to face difficult situations.
• Security:  Devotees of Maa Durga and Kali feel a kind of security. They believe that the goddess protects them.
• Peace of mind:  Devotion to Mother Goddess and performing Aarti brings a wonderful peace in the mind. Worries and negative emotions go away.
• Wish Fulfillment:  It is believed that the proper wishes of the devotees are fulfilled by worshiping the Mother Goddess with true heart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Why is there special importance of worshiping Maa Durga and Kali during Navratri? The festival of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of the power of Mother Durga. He is worshiped and worshiped every day for nine days during Navratri.
• What should be done to please Maa Durga and Maa Kali? Mother becomes happy by worshiping the Mother with true heart, maintaining pure conduct, not doing bad to anyone and performing her Aarti regularly.
• What is the best time to perform Aarti? Maa Aarti can be performed at any time of the day, but many people take special care to perform Aarti in the morning and/or evening.
• Is there any special care to be taken during Aarti? While performing the Aarti, it is important to be emotional, sing with devotion, and express your devotion towards the Mother through the Aarti.

Are you connected to this worship?

Dear readers, if worshiping Maa Durga or Maa Kali is a part of your daily routine, or you have heard stories of their grace, please share them in the comments below. Your stories will definitely add a spiritual dimension to this information and will be inspiring for the rest of the devotees!

Maa Durga and Maa Kali: Power of Mantras

Chanting of special mantras holds an important place in the worship of Mother Durga and Kali. Each mantra has its own special energy, and chanting them is believed to provide specific benefits. Here are some important mantras:

Durga Mantra:

• Om Dun Durgaayi Namah  – This simple but powerful mantra is the basic mantra of Maa Durga. It provides protection, inner strength and helps in warding off negative forces.
• Navarna Mantra  – This nine-syllable mantra (Em Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche) addresses various aspects of Maa Durga. This mantra is considered helpful in fulfilling desires, removing obstacles and achieving success.

Kali Mantra:

• Om Krim Kalikaayi Namah  – This Beej Mantra dedicated to Mother Kali is considered to bring major changes in life, give strength to face darkness, and is helpful in spiritual progress.
• Om Hreem Shreem Kreem Parameshwari Kalikayayi Swaha  – This is a tantric mantra that should be used with caution. Extremely powerful, this mantra is known for the fulfillment of worldly desires and quick results.

Things to keep in mind while chanting mantra

• Pronunciation:  Correct pronunciation of mantras is very important. If you’re unsure, learn from online resources or someone knowledgeable.
• Bhava:  Try to understand the meaning of the mantra, and connect with that feeling while chanting.
• Concentration:  Find a quiet place where you can concentrate on the mantra without any distractions.
• Regularity:  Regular practice of chanting mantra gives the maximum benefit.

Maa Durga / Maa Kali Chalisa

Chalisa is a genre of devotional poetry consisting of forty verses. Devotees also recite Chalisa wholeheartedly in front of Maa Durga and Maa Kali. Through Chalisa, devotees sing praises of the Goddess, seek redressal of their problems and seek blessings.

Important temples related to Maa Durga/Maa Kali

In India, there are many famous temples of Maa Durga and Maa Kali. Here are some of the most iconic:

• Vaishno Devi Temple (Jammu and Kashmir):  This ancient temple situated in the hills is a highly popular pilgrimage site.
• Kalkaji Temple (Delhi):  This ancient temple dedicated to Mother Kali is located in Delhi.
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple (Kolkata):  This temple, associated with Ramakrishna Paramhansa, is located on the banks of the Hooghly River near Kolkata.
• Kamakhya Temple (Assam):  One of the Shakti Peethas, this temple located in Guwahati is an important pilgrimage center in the northeastern region of India.

Summary

Maa Durga and Maa Kali are symbols of power, devotion and transformation. Performing his Aarti, chanting mantras and reciting Chalisa connects the devotees to a higher power and helps in positive changes in life and spiritual advancement.

If you are a devotee of Maa, or want to know more about her power, then you should include this amazing aarti in your worship place…

Jai Maa Durga! Jai Maa Kali!