Introduction

On the seventh day of the holy festival of Navratri, the seventh form of Maa Durga, Maa Kalratri, is worshipped. The form of Maa Kalratri, despite being frightening for the devotees, is dedicated to their protection. Come, let us know the story, worship method and mantra of Maa Kalratri, and the benefits obtained from her grace.

Who is Maa Kalratri?

Maa Kalratri is considered to be the most fierce form of Goddess Durga. ‘Kalratri’ – i.e. whose ‘night’ is as black as ‘time’. According to the scriptures, this form of Mother incarnated to destroy the darkness and negative powers created in the universe. Their appearance may be terrifying, but they are a symbol of affection and protection for their devotees.

Story of Maa Kalratri – Video

Story of Maa Kalratri: End of the atrocities of Shumbha-Nishumbha

• Defeat of the Gods:  According to mythology, a powerful demon named Durgam increased his power and captured heaven with the help of two brave generals Shumbha and Nishumbha. Seeing the gods in despair, Adishakti took the form of Durga.
• Anger of Maa Durga and manifestation of Kaalratri:  Hearing the call of the gods, Maa Durga trembled with anger. His anger was so fierce that an extremely fierce goddess appeared from his forehead, whose complexion was as black as night. His appearance was monstrous and fierce. This goddess is known by the name ‘Kalratri’.
• Shumbh-Nishumbh’s pride and challenge:  Distressed by the sorrows of the gods, Goddess Kalratri challenged Durgamasura’s army for war. Durgamasura sent Shumbha and Nishumbha to confront the goddess. Seeing the fierce form of the goddess, those demons laughed and said, “O Kali!” After which the name of Mother Goddess became Kalratri.
• Fierce battle of Mother Kalratri:  Kalratri made the sky echo with her roar. In anger he fought a fierce battle. He also killed innumerable soldiers of Shumbha-Nishumbha and Durgamasura and powerful demons like Raktabeej. After this great battle, seeing his monstrous form, all the demons got scared and ran away from there.
• Restoration of Dharma in creation:  Thus, Maa Kaalratri, by fighting a terrible war, restored the authority of Dharma and freed the gods from fear.

Form of Maa Kalratri

The complexion of Maa Kaalratri is like black darkness, and her form is very fierce. His hair is disheveled and around his neck is a garland that shines like electricity. His three eyes are huge and circular like the universe, which keep shining. Fierce flames of fire come out from their nostrils. The vehicle of Maa Kaalratri is Gardabha (donkey). She has four arms. He has an iron fork in his upper right hand and a sword in his lower right hand. The upper hand on the left side is in Varamudra and the lower hand is in Abhayamudra.

Puja Materials needed

The following materials are required for the worship of Maa Kalratri:

1. Idol or picture: The idol or picture of Maa Kalratri is essential for worship.

2. Flowers: Blue colored flowers, such as Neelkamal, are offered to the Goddess.

3. Incense and lamp: The Goddess is pleased by lighting incense and lamp.

4. Roli, Akshat, and Sindoor: Roli, Akshat, and Sindoor are offered to the Goddess.

5. Fruits: Various types of fruits are offered to the Goddess as offerings.

6. Naivedya: Naivedya is offered to the Goddess in the form of food. Naivedya may include items made from jaggery, such as jaggery kheer, jaggery halwa, etc.

7. Paan: Paan is offered to the Goddess.

8. Betel nut: Betel nut is offered to the Goddess.

9. Dakshina: Dakshina is given as charity to the Goddess.

10. Clothes: Blue colored clothes are offered to the Goddess.

11. Jewellery: Jewelery can also be offered to the Goddess.

12. Chanting Mala: Chanting Mala is used for worshiping the Goddess.

Method of worship of Maa Kalratri

1. Bath: First of all, take bath and wear clean clothes.

2. Light a lamp: Light a lamp and meditate on the Goddess.

3. Invocation: Invoke the Goddess and pray to her to accept the puja.

4. Panchopachar Puja: Perform Panchopachar puja of the Goddess, which includes bathing, bathing, clothes, jewellery, and fragrance.

5. Shodashopachar Puja: You can also perform Shodashopachar puja,

Sixteen ingredients are used in Shodshopachara worship, which are as follows:

• Aachman:  The puja begins by offering water to the goddess.
• Bath:  The Goddess is bathed with milk, curd, ghee, honey, and water.
• Clothes:  The Goddess is dressed in beautiful clothes.
• Jewellery:  The Goddess is adorned with jewellery.
• Fragrance:  Fragrance is offered to the Goddess.
• Flowers:  Flowers are offered to the goddess.
• Deep:  A lamp is lit in front of the Goddess.
• Incense:  Incense is offered to the Goddess.
• Naivedya:  Food is offered to the Goddess.
• Tambool:  Tambool is offered to the Goddess.
• Dakshina:  Donation given to the Goddess.
• Pradakshina:  The goddess is circumambulated.
• Stavana:  The Goddess is praised.
• Namaskar:  Salutations are made to the Goddess.
• Forgiveness Prayer:  Forgiveness is sought from the Goddess.
• Blessings:  Blessings are obtained from the Goddess.

Note – This is a brief description of Shodashopachar worship method.

6. Aarti and Bhajan: Sing aarti and bhajan of Maa Kalratri.

7. Prayer: Pray to the Goddess keeping your wishes in mind.

8. Donation: Donate fruits, flowers, and sweets to the Goddess.

9. Accept Prasad: Accept the Prasad of the Goddess.

10. Immersion: Immerse the goddess.

Auspicious time of worship of Maa Kalratri:

Maa Kalratri is worshiped on the seventh day of Navratri, i.e. Mahasaptami. The most auspicious time for worship is night time.

Maa Kalratri Mantra

Om Devi Kalratriai Namah:

That is,  like Om, the viceless Mother Kaalratri is the one who destroys the darkness of sorrow. May the Mother who destroys evil and demons bless us all.

Mother Kalratri is pleased by chanting this mantra 108 times.

Blessings from Goddess Kalratri

• The Goddess protects the devotees and frees them from evil powers, planetary obstacles, ghosts etc.
• The Goddess destroys the fears and diseases of the devotees.
• By devotion to Maa Kalratri, a person attains bravery, valor and fearlessness.
• By worshiping him, all the secrets of the universe are revealed to the devotee.

Experiences of Devotees

Devotees of Maa Kalratri have had many types of experiences. Some devotees have said that the goddess has brought them out of difficult situations. Other devotees have reported that the goddess has provided them with strength and courage. Some devotees have said that the goddess has fulfilled their wishes.

Here are the experiences of some devotees:

• A devotee told that  he was suffering from an illness for many years. He started worshiping Maa Kalratri and within a few months he completely recovered.
• Another devotee told that  he had failed in an examination. He started worshiping Maa Kalratri and next time he passed the examination.
• A third devotee told that  he was in a serious financial crisis. He started worshiping Maa Kalratri and within a few months his financial condition improved.

Some things should be kept in mind while worshiping Maa Kalratri:

• Wear clean clothes during puja.
• Keep the place of worship clean and sacred.
• Keep your mind concentrated during puja.
• Do not talk to anyone while worshiping.
• Take prasad after puja.

Seventh day of Navratri: Sadhana of Maa Kalratri

On this auspicious day, worshiping Maa Kalratri wholeheartedly is very fruitful. Come, today let us all place all our problems at the feet of Mother Kalratri and seek her blessings.