New Delhi: The holy festival of Shardiya Navratri is going on. Today, on Saturday, 17th October, Maa Kalratri, the seventh form of Maa Durga, is being worshipped. According to religious beliefs, Maa Kalratri protects her devotees from fear and negative powers. She is also called Shubhankari because, even though her appearance may be fierce, she is considered to be beneficial to her devotees. On the seventh day of Navratri, devotees worship the Mother Goddess with rituals and pray for happiness and prosperity. Let us know the nature of Maa Kalratri, method of worship, favorite offering, auspicious colour and mantra.
Who is Maa Kalratri and what is her nature?
Maa Kalratri is the seventh form of Goddess Durga. According to religious beliefs, her appearance is very impressive and fierce. Her complexion is as black as darkness and her hair is open. A garland that shines like electricity adorns her neck. Maa Kalratri’s vehicle is a donkey and she has four arms.
The right hands of the Maa are in Varamudra and Abhayamudra, while the left hands hold an iron fork and a sword. It is believed that worshiping Maa Kalratri removes the fears of the devotees and gives them strength to face difficult situations.
What is the result of worshiping Maa Kalratri?
According to religious beliefs, by worshiping Maa Kalratri one wishes freedom from fear, disease, grief and negativity. She is considered a goddess who protects from troubles. Devotees worship him and pray for happiness, peace and prosperity in life.
Maa Kalratri is also known by the name Shubhankari. It is believed that the blessings of Maa Goddess remain on the devotees who worship her with true heart. However, these beliefs related to the results of worship are based on religious faith.
Which offerings and flowers should be offered to Maa Kalratri?
There is a tradition of offering jaggery and sweets made from jaggery to Maa Kalratri on the seventh day of Navratri. Many devotees also offer Malpua to the Maa Goddess. Apart from this, red flowers, hibiscus and fragrant flowers are offered in the puja.
Wearing blue, purple or gray colored clothes on this day is considered auspicious. Devotees can offer flowers, fruits and sweets to the goddess as per their devotion. Special care should be taken of cleanliness and reverence during puja.
What is the powerful mantra of Maa Kalratri?
Chanting her mantras during the worship of Maa Kalratri is considered auspicious. Devotees can chant these mantras at the time of worship.
General Mantra: Om Devi Kalratriai Namah.
Beej Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Kalratriai Namah.
There is a religious belief that chanting mantras helps in concentrating the mind and attaining spiritual peace. Mantras should be chanted with devotion and a calm mind.
How to worship Maa Kalratri?
To worship Maa Kalratri on the seventh day of Navratri, take bath in the morning and wear clean clothes. After this, clean the place of worship and install the idol or picture of the mother. Light a ghee lamp in front of the Mother Goddess and offer incense.
After this offer Roli, Akshat, Kumkum, sandalwood and flowers. Offer jaggery or sweets made from jaggery to the maa. Durga Chalisa or Durga Saptashati can be recited during the puja. Along with this, chant the mantras of Maa Kalratri. In the end, perform Aarti of Mata and pray for the happiness, peace and prosperity of the family.
Note: Confirm the dates and puja time of Shardiya Navratri from the local almanac. The rituals of worship and offerings may vary from region to region.
