MAA KALRATRI | CHAITRA NAVRATRI 2022

Devi Kalratri is the most powerful of Durga’s nine incarnations, and she is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri Pooja. She has a terrifying visage, but she is a fearless protector of her followers from bad powers.

‘Kalaratri’ means ‘the one who removes darkness and ignorance from the thoughts of her devotees.’ Despite her scary look, she always brings good fortune. As a result, she is also known as Shubankari.

History & Origin

Shumbha and Nishumbha were two terrible demons that lived once upon a time. Namuchi, their brother, was assassinated by Indra Deva, the God of Heaven. They were both devastated by the news and resolved to exact vengeance on the Gods. They quickly launched a ferocious attack on the Gods, which they eventually defeated. Chanda, Munda, and Raktabeej assisted them in their onslaught.

Before Maa Katyayani destroyed the demon Mahishasura, these three were his old pals. They began to rule over the three planets as a group. In the Himalayas, Indra and the other Gods prayed to Goddess Parvati. She recognized their anxieties and created a new goddess, Chandi, to assist them. Chandi, the goddess, was able to kill almost all the demons sent by Shumbha and Nishumbha.

However, demons such as Chandha, Mundha, and Raktabeej were far too powerful for her to defeat. As a result, Goddess Chandi created another goddess, Kaalratri or Kaali, from her forehead. Chandha and Mundha were defeated by Maa Kaalratri, who eventually murdered them. As a result, she is sometimes referred to as Chamunda.

Goddess Chandi and Goddess Kaalratri then proceeded to battle the terrible demon Raktabeej. Lord Brahma had given Raktabeej a particular boon: if a drop of his blood fell to the ground, another lookalike like him would be produced from that drop. Several clones of Raktabeej were formed while Maa Kaalratri fought and damaged him.

As a result of this, Maa Kaalratri became enraged and began sucking the blood of every clone of Raktabeej. This kept his blood from falling to the ground, and he was eventually killed by Maa Kaalratri. She later killed Shumbha and Nishumbha, restoring peace to the three worlds.

Maa kalratri Mantra

या देवी सर्वभू‍तेषु माँ कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।
एक वेधी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता।
लम्बोष्ठी कर्णिकाकणी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी।।

Significance

She is linked to the crown chakra. Those who believe in her receive siddhis and nidhis, or knowledge, wealth, and power. Her devotees are blessed with good fortune, which helps them to be fearless. Raudri and Dhumorna are other names for her. Her weapons are the vajra and a curved sword, and she is depicted sitting on a donkey.

We learn from Maa Kalratri that decay, pain, sorrow, destruction, and death cannot be avoided; they are facts of life. We must accept them.

Temple

Kalratri is located on D.8/17, Kalika Galli, a lane parallel to Annapurna – Vishwanath Lane. People can take a rickshaw to Dasaswamedh and walk through the Gully to Visweshwar temple, then take a right turn, climb a few steps, and reach Kalika Galli via Shukreshwar.

Devotees worship Kalratri Devi during Navratri, which occurs in September/October, and some regard this Goddess as a manifestation of Kali. This Goddess is commemorated by the road, Kalika Galli. This temple is one of Varanasi’s Shakti Peets.

The temple is open from 6 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., and from 4 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Aarties are held twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.

According to locals, Kalratri is a very powerful Devi, and at any given time, a few elderly people can be found in the temple grounds, deeply engrossed in prayer.

Frequently Asked Question

What colour is associated with Maa Kalratri?

Kaalratri is Devi's seventh incarnation.She is also known as Kali, the Goddess's destructive form.The colour blue represents her powerful energy and is associated with her.

What to offer as a ‘Bhog’ on the seventh day?

On the seventh day, devotees offer jaggery and water to the Goddess in order to please her. To please the Goddess, you can use jaggery to make a sweet delicacy such as kheer or chikki.

What does the idol of Maa Kalratri look like?

She rides a donkey, a lion, or a tiger. Her weapons include a hooked vajra and a curved sword, as well as Abhayamudra and Varadamudra.

Which is Maa Kalratri's favourite flower?

Krishnakamal is Maa Kalratri’s favourite flower.

What is Maa Kalratri known as?

Maa Kalratri is also known as as Raudri and Dhumorna

Are Kalratri and Kali the same?

Many people confuse Kali and Kalratri, but they are not the same. Devi Kalratri is considered to be Durga's most ferocious form.

With the Blessings of Maa Kalratri, we’ve delivered this article in the best form and hope that it helped you! If there are any discrepancies you can mention them in the comment section. May Maa Kalratri shower all the blessings and strength on you!