Who is Goddess Kalaratri?
The 7th form of NavaDurga is known as Goddess Kalaratri. She is considered to be the most ferocious avatar of NavaDurga and is known for destroying ignorance and removing darkness from the universe.
During the devastation created by the demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha Goddess Parvati took the avatar of Kalaratri Devi. It is said that these two demons invaded the Devlok that is the abode of the Demi-Gods. After getting frustrated the Demi-Gods prayed Goddess Parvati to help them defeat the asuras. It is then when Kalaratri avatar was created.
This avatar is depicted as a destructive form of the Goddess. She can be seen riding a dark black donkey. Her complexion is dark black and she has four hands. The positioning of her hands is in Abhaya and varada mudra and she carries a sword and an iron hook in her left hands. It is said that she licked the blood of demon Rakta Beeja, who had the potential to create more demons from his own blood. Because of the powers she possesses, she is also referred to as Goddess Shubhankari.
Maa Kalaratri Story
According to legend, Dasta Shumbha-Nishumbha and Raktabeej had made a stroke in all the three states. Worried by this, all the goddesses went to Shivji. He asked the goddess Parvati to kill the demons and protect their devotees. Considering Shivji, Parvati Ji assumed the form of Durga and killed Shumbha-Nishumbha. But as soon as Durga killed the bloodbath, the blood released from her body produced millions of raktabeej. Seeing this, Durga ji made Kalaratri from its fast. After this, when Durga killed the raktabeej, Kalaratri filled his blood in his face and slaughtered his blood base after cutting his throat.
Significance of Kalaratri Devi
Worshiping Maa Kalaratri, on the 7th day of Navratri is considered so auspicious. Regular chanting of Kalaratri mantra can remove all the fear from the heart and make the devotees bold and self-confident. If you are suspicious of any evil spell or force pursuing you, you may free yourself from it by chanting the incredibly powerful Kalaratri mantra. This mantra shall bestow peace and shall win the protective shield of goddess Kalaratri for her devotees. Yogis and occult practitioners chant this mantra to attain mystic powers.
Important facts about Goddess Kalaratri
- Origin: This is the fiercest and the most ferocious form of the Mother Goddess, in which she manifests to destroy the demons, Sumbha and Nisumbha.
- Meaning: Goddess of the Night. Also referred to as the one who is the death of time. This form primarily depicts that life also has a dark side – the violence of Mother Nature that encompasses death and destruction.
- Worship Date: 7th day of Navratri
- Planet: Saturn
- Favorite Flower: Krishna kamal
- Favorite Color: Grey
- Kalaratri Mantra: Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नम
- Other Names: Goddess Shubhankari
- Appearance: Her complexion is dark black and She rides on a donkey. She is depicted with four hands. Her right hands are in Abhayamudra and Varadamudra. She carries a sword and deadly iron hook in her left hands.
