On the seventh day of Navratri, Goddess Kalaratri, the fiercest form of Durga, is worshipped. She symbolizes the destruction of evil forces, protects her devotees from negativity, and bestows them with courage and spiritual strength.
Maa Kalaratri, the seventh manifestation of Goddess Durga, stands as a powerful symbol of protection and the fierce destruction of evil. Known for her aggressive and fearsome form, she is revered in Hindu mythology for her immense strength and the role she plays in safeguarding the righteous. Her story, rooted in ancient texts, highlights her as both a fierce warrior and a compassionate protector.
Who is Maa Kalaratri
Maa Kalaratri is first mentioned in the Durga Saptashati (chapters 81 to 93) within the Markandeya Purana, one of the oldest scriptures dedicated to Goddess Durga. This form of the goddess is also considered a manifestation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, and shares attributes with other fearsome forms such as Kali, Mahakali, Bhadrakali, and Chamunda. Maa Kalaratri’s role in Hindu mythology is integral to destroying negativity and defeating demonic forces.
Depicted as a terrifying and awe-inspiring figure, Maa Kalaratri wields immense power and fearlessness. With four arms, she holds a khadga (sword) in her upper left hand and an iron club in her lower left, both of which she uses to defeat evil. Her right hands are symbols of hope and security—her upper right bestows boons, and her lower right hand offers protection from fear.
Her appearance is formidable: wild flowing hair, three blazing eyes, and fire erupting from her nostrils reflect her rage toward evil forces. Her unique mount is a donkey, a humble creature that reflects her willingness to protect even the most vulnerable and marginalized beings.
Interestingly, despite her fierce demeanor, she is also known as Shubhankari, meaning the “auspicious one.” She dispels darkness and negativity but brings her devotees prosperity, peace, and blessings. Maa Kalaratri’s form signifies the balance between destruction and creation, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
The Story of Maa Kalaratri
Hindu mythology is rich with tales of Maa Kalaratri’s bravery. One such legend involves the invasion of Devaloka (the realm of the demigods) by two demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha. These demons overpowered the gods, leading Indra, the king of the gods, and his companions to seek refuge in the Himalayas. Desperate for aid, they turned to Lord Shiva, and in response, Goddess Parvati transformed into Goddess Chandika to confront these evil forces.
When Shumbha and Nishumbha sent their generals, Chand and Mund, to challenge Chandika, Parvati assumed her fiercest form—Maa Kalaratri. As the Devi Bhagavata Purana recounts, she decapitated both demons, earning the title Chamunda, the slayer of Chand and Mund.
Another significant battle involved the demon Raktbeej, whose boon allowed him to create clones of himself from every drop of blood spilled in battle. Maa Kalaratri used her strategic brilliance by drinking his blood to prevent it from touching the ground. This act, which left her tongue stained blood-red, ultimately vanquished Raktbeej and ended his reign of terror.
Finally, Maa Kalaratri confronted Shumbha and Nishumbha, decisively defeating them and restoring the balance of the cosmos. Through these battles, Maa Kalaratri affirmed her position as the ultimate destroyer of evil and restorer of harmony.
Maa Kalaratri’s fierce form holds profound symbolic meaning. Her ability to destroy evil represents the inner strength required to overcome negativity and ignorance in the world. The donkey she rides reflects her humility and dedication to protecting even the most powerless beings, reminding devotees to cultivate compassion toward all forms of life.
Benefits of Worshipping Maa Kalaratri
Although terrifying in appearance, Maa Kalaratri blesses those who seek her protection with courage, fearlessness, and prosperity. Devotees worship her during the nine-day festival of Navaratri, particularly on the seventh day, to invoke her blessings of power and protection against adversities.
Worshipping Goddess Kalaratri on the seventh day of Navratri brings powerful spiritual and personal benefits. Her divine blessings protect devotees from negative energies, creating a shield against harm and adversity. She bestows fearlessness and inner strength, empowering individuals to face life’s challenges with courage and overcome mental and emotional obstacles. Invoking Goddess Kalaratri also facilitates spiritual cleansing, allowing positive energy to flow and promoting spiritual growth. Additionally, her worship mitigates the malefic effects of Saturn (Shani) and other planetary influences, while ensuring success and victory over enemies and negativity.
Maa Kalaratri Mantra
ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah॥
Maa Kalaratri Prarthana
एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता।
लम्बोष्ठी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्त शरीरिणी॥
वामपादोल्लसल्लोह लताकण्टकभूषणा।
वर्धन मूर्धध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयङ्करी॥
Ekaveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita।
Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini॥
Vamapadollasalloha Latakantakabhushana।
Vardhana Murdhadhwaja Krishna Kalaratrirbhayankari॥
Maa Kalaratri Stuti
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kalaratri Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Maa Kalaratri Dhyana
करालवन्दना घोरां मुक्तकेशी चतुर्भुजाम्।
कालरात्रिम् करालिंका दिव्याम् विद्युतमाला विभूषिताम्॥
दिव्यम् लौहवज्र खड्ग वामोघोर्ध्व कराम्बुजाम्।
अभयम् वरदाम् चैव दक्षिणोध्वाघः पार्णिकाम् मम्॥
महामेघ प्रभाम् श्यामाम् तक्षा चैव गर्दभारूढ़ा।
घोरदंश कारालास्यां पीनोन्नत पयोधराम्॥
सुख पप्रसन्न वदना स्मेरान्न सरोरूहाम्।
एवम् सचियन्तयेत् कालरात्रिम् सर्वकाम् समृध्दिदाम्॥
Karalavandana Ghoram Muktakeshi Chaturbhujam।
Kalaratrim Karalimka Divyam Vidyutamala Vibhushitam॥
Divyam Lauhavajra Khadga Vamoghordhva Karambujam।
Abhayam Varadam Chaiva Dakshinodhvaghah Parnikam Mam॥
Mahamegha Prabham Shyamam Taksha Chaiva Gardabharudha।
Ghoradamsha Karalasyam Pinonnata Payodharam॥
Sukha Prasanna Vadana Smeranna Saroruham।
Evam Sachiyantayet Kalaratrim Sarvakam Samriddhidam॥
Maa Kalaratri Stotra
हीं कालरात्रि श्रीं कराली च क्लीं कल्याणी कलावती।
कालमाता कलिदर्पध्नी कमदीश कुपान्विता॥
कामबीजजपान्दा कमबीजस्वरूपिणी।
कुमतिघ्नी कुलीनर्तिनाशिनी कुल कामिनी॥
क्लीं ह्रीं श्रीं मन्त्र्वर्णेन कालकण्टकघातिनी।
कृपामयी कृपाधारा कृपापारा कृपागमा॥
Him Kalaratri Shrim Karali Cha Klim Kalyani Kalawati।
Kalamata Kalidarpadhni Kamadisha Kupanvita॥
Kamabijajapanda Kamabijaswarupini।
Kumatighni Kulinartinashini Kula Kamini॥
Klim Hrim Shrim Mantrvarnena Kalakantakaghatini।
Kripamayi Kripadhara Kripapara Kripagama॥
Maa Kalaratri Kavacha
ऊँ क्लीं मे हृदयम् पातु पादौ श्रीकालरात्रि।
ललाटे सततम् पातु तुष्टग्रह निवारिणी॥
रसनाम् पातु कौमारी, भैरवी चक्षुषोर्भम।
कटौ पृष्ठे महेशानी, कर्णोशङ्करभामिनी॥
वर्जितानी तु स्थानाभि यानि च कवचेन हि।
तानि सर्वाणि मे देवीसततंपातु स्तम्भिनी॥
Om Klim Me Hridayam Patu Padau Shrikalaratri।
Lalate Satatam Patu Tushtagraha Nivarini॥
Rasanam Patu Kaumari, Bhairavi Chakshushorbhama।
Katau Prishthe Maheshani, Karnoshankarabhamini॥
Varjitani Tu Sthanabhi Yani Cha Kavachena Hi।
Tani Sarvani Me Devisatatampatu Stambhini॥
Maa Kalaratri Aarti
कालरात्रि जय जय महाकाली। काल के मुँह से बचाने वाली॥
दुष्ट संघारक नाम तुम्हारा। महाचण्डी तेरा अवतारा॥
पृथ्वी और आकाश पे सारा। महाकाली है तेरा पसारा॥
खड्ग खप्पर रखने वाली। दुष्टों का लहू चखने वाली॥
कलकत्ता स्थान तुम्हारा। सब जगह देखूँ तेरा नजारा॥
सभी देवता सब नर-नारी। गावें स्तुति सभी तुम्हारी॥
रक्तदन्ता और अन्नपूर्णा। कृपा करे तो कोई भी दुःख ना॥
ना कोई चिन्ता रहे ना बीमारी। ना कोई गम ना संकट भारी॥
उस पर कभी कष्ट ना आवे। महाकाली माँ जिसे बचावे॥
तू भी भक्त प्रेम से कह। कालरात्रि माँ तेरी जय॥