Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of nine different forms of Goddess Durga. Today, we celebrate the seventh day, honoring Maa Kalratri.
Maa Kalratri: A Powerful Form of Durga
Maa Kalratri is known by various names, including Bhadrakali, Dakshin Kali, Matri Kali, and Mahakali. She has a fearsome appearance with a black body, long, flowing hair, and a garland that shines like lightning. With four arms, she holds a sword, an iron weapon, and performs Abhaya and Var Mudras. It is believed that worshipping Maa Kalratri can protect one from untimely death. Tantra Mantra practitioners often offer special worship to her.
Story of Maa Kalratri:
The demons Shumbh, Nishumbh, and Raktbeej caused havoc in the universe. The gods sought protection from Lord Shiva, who advised Devi Parvati to intervene. Parvati assumed the form of Durga and defeated Shumbh and Nishumbh. However, when Raktbeej was killed, millions of others were born from his blood. Enraged, Durga's complexion turned dark, and Maa Kalratri appeared. She destroyed all the demons, including Raktbeej, and consumed their blood before it touched the ground. For this, she is also called Shubhkari.
Worship Method:
- Kalash Puja and Lighting Diya: Perform Kalash Puja and light a desi ghee diya before the goddess.
- Offerings: Worship with roli, Akshat (rice grains), fruits, flowers, and especially red flowers like hibiscus or rose.
- Aarti and Mantras: Perform the Aarti and chant mantra with your family. Recite Maa Kali's meditation mantra and offer jaggery to the goddess.
- Rosary and Donation: Use a rosary of red sandalwood or Rudraksha while chanting mantras. Donate jaggery to a Brahmin.
Mantra of Kalratri Devi
ॐ कालरात्र्यै नम:।
'ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चै नमः'
Aarti of Kalratri Devi
कालरात्रि जय-जय-महाकाली ।
काल के मुह से बचाने वाली ॥
दुष्ट संघारक नाम तुम्हारा ।
महाचंडी तेरा अवतार ॥
पृथ्वी और आकाश पे सारा ।
महाकाली है तेरा पसारा ॥
खडग खप्पर रखने वाली ।
दुष्टों का लहू चखने वाली ॥
कलकत्ता स्थान तुम्हारा ।
सब जगह देखूं तेरा नजारा ॥
सभी देवता सब नर-नारी ।
गावें स्तुति सभी तुम्हारी ॥
रक्तदंता और अन्नपूर्णा ।
कृपा करे तो कोई भी दुःख ना ॥
ना कोई चिंता रहे बीमारी ।
ना कोई गम ना संकट भारी ॥
उस पर कभी कष्ट ना आवें ।
महाकाली मां जिसे बचाबे ॥
तू भी भक्त प्रेम से कह ।
कालरात्रि मां तेरी जय ॥
