Victory to Maa Kaalratri!
On the seventh day of Navratri, devotees worship the seventh form of Adi Shakti – Maa Kaalratri. The name means “the Night of Time”, symbolising the all-destroying yet all-transforming power of the Divine. She is the fiercest and most terrifying form of Navadurga, but for her devotees, she is supremely benevolent and protective. Maa Kaalratri is the destroyer of darkness, ignorance, and evil forces. She liberates her devotees from fear, anxiety, and negativity.
Mythological Significance
According to the Shiv Purana and Devi Bhagavata, when demons Shumbha-Nishumbha and the dreaded Raktabeej tormented the worlds, the Goddess assumed her dreadful form as Kaalratri and annihilated them.
Another legend says that when Andhakasura spread darkness and ignorance across the cosmos, the Goddess manifested as Kaalratri and ended his reign.
Thus, she is revered as the Goddess of Time and Dissolution, who participates in cosmic destruction only to pave the way for renewal and creation.
Iconography
Maa Kaalratri is depicted with a dark, night-like complexion, disheveled hair, and three blazing eyes radiating fire. Flames gush out of her nostrils, and her necklace glows like lightning. Her four hands bear a vajra (thunderbolt), a sword, the boon-giving gesture, and the protective mudra. Mounted on a donkey (symbol of humility), she embodies both ferocity and compassion.
Though terrifying in appearance, her eyes shine with boundless love and mercy for her devotees. For the wicked, she is death itself; for the righteous, she is their eternal saviour.
Rituals & Worship
- Bathe and wear black or grey attire.
- Cover the altar with a black cloth, light a lamp, and place her image facing South (the direction of time).
- Chant “Om Kreem Kalikayai Namah” or “Om Devi Kaalratryai Namah.”
- Offer black sesame, urad dal, jaggery, black flowers, grapes, and incense.
- For fear removal, write down your fear on paper, place it before the Goddess, chant her mantra 108 times, and burn the paper.
Mantra :
“ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः”
“ॐ क्रीं कालिकायै नमः”
Dhyan Mantra :
“एकवेणी जपाकर्ण पूर्णेन्दु निभानना।
गर्दभारूढा विकटा दंष्ट्राकरालवदना॥”
“कालरात्रिर्महाविद्या शुभदा मोक्षकारिणी।
सा मे कष्टहरा नित्यं कालरात्रि नमोस्तुते॥”
Stuti Mantra :
“या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मा कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥”
Fear Removal Mantra :
“ॐ भ्रां भ्रीं भ्रौं सः कालरात्र्यै नमः
सर्वभयेषु मां रक्ष॥”
Kalyankaari Mantra :
“श्री कालरात्रि शुभंकरी दैत्यनाशकारिणी।
कल्याणकारिणी माता मम रक્ષां करोतु নিত्यदা॥”
Sarv Mangal Matra :
“कृष्णा कालरातिर्भयंकरी भक्तानाम् शुभकारिणी।
मङ्गलानि दिशत्वेषा कालरात्रि प्रणम्य ताम्॥”
Blessings & Benefits
- Destruction of ignorance and spiritual darkness.
- Liberation from fear of death and existential anxiety.
- Protection from enemies, evil spirits, and black magic.
- Relief from depression, insomnia, and mental stress.
- Spiritual awakening, clarity of thought, and inner strength.
Conclusion
Maa Kaalratri is the destroyer of fear and darkness. Her terrifying form is only for the wicked; for devotees, she is pure compassion and protection. Worshipping her with true devotion brings courage, peace, and spiritual light into one’s life.
The articles presented here on the nine forms of Navadurga during Navratri are simply a compilation of information gathered from different sources.
Religion is a matter of personal faith.
Before following any of the details mentioned here, it is advisable to consult scholars or experts with authentic knowledge of scriptures and traditions.
