Kalratri is the seventh form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Kalratri” means “the black night,” and she is depicted as a fearsome and ferocious form of the goddess.
Nav = nine and ratri = night. As the name implies, Navratri is a festival of nine consecutive nights. Navratri is a time of fasting, prayer, and devotion, and it is marked by the performance of puja (worship) ceremonies in temples and homes.
Navratri honors Navdurga … Nav Durga … nine forms of Durga.
They are:
These nine forms celebrate, honor and worship nine different incarnations, nine different colors and nine different qualities.
Kalratri
Kalratri is the seventh form of the Hindu goddess Durga, who is worshipped during the nine-day festival of Navratri. The word “Kalratri” means “the black night,” and she is depicted as a fearsome and ferocious form of the goddess, yet she is also deeply benevolent to her devotees.
The name “Kalaratri” is made of two words:
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Kala = Time or Death
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Ratri = Night or Darkness
She is the one who destroys evil, darkness, ignorance, and fear, and brings light and wisdom.
Appearance
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Her complexion is pitch black, symbolizing the power to absorb negativity.
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She has disheveled hair, a fearsome expression, and rides a donkey.
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She has four hands — holding a scimitar (curved sword) and iron hook, while the other two hands are in Abhaya (protection) and Varada (blessing) mudras.
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She emits a powerful divine light that destroys all evil.
Despite her terrifying appearance, she is known as the “Shubhankari”, meaning the one who brings auspiciousness and goodness.
The Tale of Maa Kalaratri
1. Slaying of Shumbh and Nishumbh’s Army
In the Devi Mahatmya, when demons Shumbh and Nishumbh took over the heavens, the gods prayed to Goddess Durga for help. In response, Durga created Kaalratri from her own form.
When demon generals like Chanda and Munda attacked the goddess, Kalaratri emerged from Durga’s forehead and slaughtered them mercilessly. After killing them, she earned the name Chamunda.
She later also participated in the great war where Raktabeej, a demon with the power to multiply from each drop of his blood, was defeated by her. Maa Kalaratri drank all his blood before it touched the ground and ended his menace, showing her fearsome but purposeful energy.
2. Symbolic Story – Destroyer of Ignorance
Maa Kalaratri also represents the death of darkness and ignorance within us. She is said to burn away illusions (Maya) and attachments, guiding the soul toward liberation. Her terrifying form destroys ego, anger, and negativity — clearing the path to spiritual awakening.
Why Do We Worship Maa Kalaratri During Navratri?
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She removes fear, negativity, and evil influences.
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She protects her devotees from black magic, evil eyes, and unseen dangers.
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Worshipping her brings inner peace, spiritual growth, and courage.
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She inspires us to face our inner demons and emerge victorious.
As per the Hindu mythology, Kalratri is believed to be the destroyer of ignorance, darkness, and negative energies. She is associated with the Sahasrara Chakra or the crown chakra, which represents spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine.
Kalratri is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri, and her worship is believed to bestow divine grace, protection, and liberation from negative energies and obstacles. Her worship is also believed to help in achieving spiritual enlightenment and union with the divine.
During the seventh day of Navratri, devotees offer prayers and perform aarti to Kalratri. It is also believed that offering jaggery or gur to her can help in removing negative energies and obstacles.
Overall, Kalratri holds great significance in Navratri as she represents the power of destruction of negativity, ignorance, and darkness. Her worship is believed to bestow blessings of protection, liberation, and spiritual enlightenment to the devotees.
