Navratri 2024 Colour Today: Day 7, Maa Kalratri Story and Significance in Sharad Navratri

Navratri Day 7 2024: Navratri is one of the most cherished festivals in Hindu culture and is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. It marks nine nights of worship dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day of Sharad Navratri is associated with a specific form of the goddess, and it is customary for people to wear specific colors corresponding to each day.

On the seventh day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Kalratri, a fierce and powerful incarnation of Goddess Durga who represents the destruction of darkness and evil and is known for her courage.

Who is Maa Karatri?

Maa Kalratri is the seventh form of goddess Durga, also known as the goddess who eliminates darkness and usher in light. Her name is derived from two words: “Kala”, meaning time or death, and “Ratri”, meaning night.

Maa Kalratri is often depicted with dark complexion, fiery eyes, and disheveled hair. She rides a mule, holds a sword and an iron hook, and breathes fire. Despite her terrifying appearance, she is a compassionate protector of her followers, providing them with the courage and strength to face life’s challenges.

Read | Navratri 2024 Today’s Colors: Day 4, The Story of Maa Kushmanda and its Significance in Sharad Navratri

What is the story and significance of Maa Kalratri?

According to legend, two powerful demons named Shumbh and Nishumbh, with the help of demons Chanda, Munda and Raktabeej, wreaked havoc across the three worlds, causing great chaos.

Despite many attempts, no one was able to defeat them and the situation worsened day by day. In desperation, Lord Indra and other gods sought help from Maa Parvati. Moved by their helplessness, the Goddess created Maachandi to destroy the demons.

Maa Chandi bravely fought Shumbh and Nishumbh on the battlefield and finally defeated them. However, she fought against Chanda, Munda and Raktabeej as they received powerful boons from the gods.

To overcome this challenge, Maa Chandi transformed into the ferocious form of Maa Kalratri. She succeeded in killing Chanda and Munda, earning her the name “Chanda”.

However, Raktabhiji remains a formidable foe as he has received a special boon from Lord Brahma – every drop of his blood that touches the ground creates a new clone of him. To end the chaos, Maa Karatri devises a strategy.

She drank his blood while fighting Raktabhiji to prevent it from dripping to the ground. In the end, she succeeded in destroying Rakta Biji and restored peace and balance in the universe.

It is believed that worshiping Maa Kalratri on the seventh day of Navratri brings immense blessings, especially the elimination of ignorance, negativity and fear.

She frees her followers from unnecessary fears and worries, helping them to survive the darkness of life, both physically and spiritually.

Her worship is especially important for those seeking protection from evil and spiritual advancement. Devotees believe that by worshiping Maa Kalratri, they gain strength, courage and protection from misfortunes and dangers. She also helps remove deep-seated fears and anxieties, guiding devotees to self-realization and inner peace.

Read | When is Navami and Ashtami 2024 in October? Check for correct date and meaning