Goddess Durga as Maa Kalratri is in one of her most fiercest and darkest forms. Maa Kalratri is the seventh phase of Maa Durga’s evolutionary journey, worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri that is on Saptami.
Goddess Durga in this fiercest and darkest and most terrifying form, in a divine frenzy arrives to eradicate fear, evil spirits, dark energies, and ignorance. Kalratri combines the two words Kala (time of death) and Ratri (night), thus her arrival in this form heralds “the black night of destruction” of all chthonic elements
The Image and Appearance:
The beautiful Maa is seen in a different form, she is dark, ebony complexion with wild untied hair, around her neck are the skulls and entrails of vanquished evils.
She is seen holding a scimitar, a thunderbolt and is seen in the Abhaya and Varada mudras, fearless and boon-granting stance. Her eyes are three hollow rounds of lightning flashes and her mouth spews blazing flames intensifying her fierce aura.
Her vahana (carrier) is not the Lion, but the Donkey (gardhab)
Her other name is Subhankari “one who brings auspiciousness”
Significance of Goddess Durga as Maa Kalratri
The mantra “OM DEVI KALRATRIYA NAMAH” recited on saptami with devotional fervour removes fear, influence of evil forces, influences black magic and to neutralize the difficulties of an adverse planetary position of Shani (Saturn).
She is seen as Devi Durga in the most violent, fiercest and aggressive form, an answer to the appeal of all the gods to destroy evil and the menace of The Asuras.
According to The Puranas, she was invoked and evolved to destroy the rakshasas Chand and Mund, along with Shumbha and Nishumbha, thus she is also referred to as Chamunda.
Maa Parvati in the form of Maa Kalratri also slays demon Raktabeej who had got the boon that if his blood touched the ground, millions of demons would come alive from each drop. The Devi slays him and drinks the blood before it touches the ground, in order to neutralise the boon thus annihilating the dark and devilish forces.
The Destroyer
She, Maa, Kali the dark form of terror, is the fierce manifestation of feminine prowess, annihilation evil in oneself, and awakening of spiritual consciousness.
Maa builds confidence and instills the faith and belief that anything and everything can be achieved. The Goddess isalso known as Shubhankari- the auspicious one, she always protects her devotees upholding their resilience and empowerment.
Navratri celebrates the nine incarnation of Maa Durga. These nine days have a major significance in the Hindu festivals as it signifies the triumph of good over evil.
It is believed that Maa Durga leaves her holy heavenly abode and comes on this Earth to be with her devotees and bless them for a fruitful year ahead.
