Maa Kalratri | माँ कालरात्रि

Who is Maa Kalratri

On the seventh day of Navratri, known as Mahasaptami, devotees honor Maa Kalratri, who represents the most fierce manifestation of Goddess Durga. This form of Maa Durga is revered as the vanquisher of demons, evil spirits, and negative forces. Maa Kalratri derives her name from her dark complexion, referred to as "Krishna Varna."

Kalratri or KaalRatri, which translates to "Kaal (Death) of Ratri (Night or darkness)" signifies her role in combating darkness and all forms of negativity.  Kaal or Kal is also mean "Time". She is revered as the one who overcomes time and death. Her name, "Kal Ratri," signifies her association with the deepest darkness of night. She dispels the darkness of ignorance, ultimately guiding individuals toward salvation.

Despite her formidable appearance, Goddess Maa Kalratri bestows blessings upon her devotees through Abhaya and Varada Mudras. This amalgamation of ferocity and auspiciousness has led to her being known as Goddess Shubhankari (देवी शुभंकरी).

Devotees often equate Maa Kalratri with Maa Kali (माँ काली), Mahakali (महाकाली), Bhadrakali (भद्रकाली), or Bhairavi (भैरवी). "Kalratri" signifies her ability to eliminate ignorance and darkness from the minds of her worshippers.

The name of Goddess Kalratri can also be spelled as Goddess Kalratri or Goddess Kaalratri. In her depiction, the three-eyed Goddess Kalaratri is seen seated on a donkey, wielding a Khadga (sword) and Kanta (iron weapon) in her four arms.

About Maa Kalratri | माँ कालरात्रि

Maa Kalratri Story

There are fascinating legends associated with this formidable form of Durga. Once, two demons named Shumbha and Nishumbha invaded the heavenly realm, defeating Indra and his celestial army.

After losing their kingdom, Swarga, Indra and the other deities sought refuge in the Himalayas and prayed to Goddess Parvati for her assistance in reclaiming their kingdom.

Parvati created Chandi and dispatched her to eliminate the demons. In the ensuing battle, Shumbha (शुंभ) and Nishumbha (निशुंभ) sent two demons, Chanda (चण्ड) and Munda (मुंड), to confront Chandi. 

To counter them, Chandi created another goddess named Kali. Kali triumphed over Chanda and Munda, earning the name Chamunda (चामुंडा).

However, another demon, Raktabeej (रक्तबीज), was dispatched to confront Kali. Raktabeej possessed a boon from Brahma: each drop of his blood that fell to the ground would spawn a clone of him. 

In essence, every drop of his blood (रक्त) acted as a seed (बीज) from which a duplicate demon would emerge.

Upon witnessing this challenge, Maa Kalratri recognized the futility of trying to defeat Raktabeej as long as his blood continued to fall. 

In her fury, Maa Kalratri began to consume the blood of each Raktabeej clone she encountered to prevent it from reaching the ground. This tactic eventually led to the defeat of Raktabeej.

Chandi also defeated Shumbha and Nishumbha, thereby aiding Indra and the other gods in regaining their kingdom from the demons.

Maa Kalratri represents the form of Adi Shakti that vanquishes evildoers, bringing an end to cruelty. She displays great benevolence toward her devotees and rewards them by dispelling the darkness of sorrow from their lives.

Maa Kalratri Iconographic Insights

Goddess Maa Kalratri possesses a deep black complexion and is often depicted riding a donkey. She is portrayed with four arms, with her right hands displaying the Abhaya and Varada Mudras, while her left hands carry a sword and a lethal iron hook.

Maa Kalratri Ruling Planet

Maa Kalratri governs over the planet Saturn, and it is believed that worshipping her with pure intentions can ward off any adverse effects associated with the Saturn.

Maa Kalratri Chakra Association

Maa Kalratri presides over the Crown Chakra, also referred to as the sahasrara chakra, granting seekers with Siddhi (spiritual accomplishment).

Worshipping Maa Kalratri: A Step-by-Step Guide

To receive the blessings of Maa Kalratri, follow these rituals.

1. Prepare the Puja Room:
   • Begin by cleaning and adorning the puja room with flowers, rangoli, and lights.
   • Place a picture or idol of Maa Kalratri in the center of the puja room.
2. Seek Lord Ganesha's Blessings: Initiate the puja by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
3. Pay Homage to the Navagrahas: Pay homage to the nine planets, also known as Navagrahas. Many believe that Maa Kalratri influences the planets, and by worshipping the Navagrahas, one can secure her blessings.
4. Illuminate the Environment: Light a lamp and incense sticks to create a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
5. Present Offerings: Offer flowers and fruits to Maa Kalratri. It is believed that she is pleased with offerings of jaggery, black sesame seeds, and coconut.
6. Recite the Mantra: Chant the following mantra to invoke the blessings of Maa Kalratri: "Om Devi Kalratryai Namah." Follow Mantra section in this page for more Mantras.
7. Perform the Aarti: Conclude the ritual by performing the aarti of Maa Kalratri with a heart full of purity and devotion.

Benefits of Observing Maa Kalratri Puja 

Worshiping Goddess Maa Kalratri offers numerous avenues, and many devotees choose to venerate her by reciting her Mantra. Mantras possess remarkable transformative power, capable of bringing about wonders and miracles. They have the ability to expel negativity from within and purify one's aura. Chanting the Mantra aids in overcoming adversaries and dispelling malevolent spirits that may surround you.

1. Devotees who recite the Mantra with deep devotion and unwavering dedication receive power and strength, with Maa Kalratri extending her protective embrace to them.
2. Maa Kalratri symbolizes the triumph over darkness, and those who venerate her are believed to attain unwavering fearlessness in life.
3. Devotees who worship Maa Kalratri live with a profound absence of fear and maintain high levels of confidence.
4. Maa Kalratri is also known as Shubhankari, bestowing auspicious outcomes upon her worshippers in every aspect of life.
5. According to Vedic astrology, worshipping Maa Kalratri is recommended to alleviate the troubles caused by Rahu, with her grace transforming negative Rahu influences into positive ones.
6. Goddess Maa Kalratri embodies divine energy, and her association with a diligent donkey as her vehicle encourages the elimination of laziness.
7. Observing the puja of Maa Kalratri on the seventh day of Navratri is considered highly auspicious, leading devotees to attain name, fame, happiness, and prosperity in life.

Maa Kalratri Mantra

ॐ कालरात्र्यै नम: ॥
Om Kalratrai Namah॥

ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Kalratryai Namah॥

ॐ फट् शत्रून साघय घातय ॐ॥
Om Phat Shatrun Saghaye Ghaataye Om॥

ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं क्लीं दुर्गति नाशिन्यै महामायायै स्वाहा॥
Om Hrim Shreem Kleem Durrgati Naashinye Mahamayaye Swaha॥

ॐ ऐं सर्वाप्रशमनं त्रैलोक्यस्या अखिलेश्वरी।
एवमेव त्वथा कार्यस्मद् वैरिविनाशनम् नमो सें ऐं ॐ॥
Om Aim Sarva prashmanam Trailokyasya Akhilehswari।
Aivmev Twatha Karyasmad Vari Vinashanam Namo Sen Aim Om॥

ॐ यदि चापि वरो देयस्त्वयास्माकं महेश्वरि।
संस्मृता संस्मृता त्वं नो हिंसेथाः परमाऽऽपदः ॐ॥
Om yadi chaapi varo deyastvayaasmaakan maheshvari।
sansmrta sansmrta tvan no hinsethaah paramapaadah om॥

ॐ ऐं यश्चमर्त्य: स्तवैरेभि: त्वां स्तोष्यत्यमलानने।
तस्य वि‍त्तीर्द्धविभवै: धनदारादि समप्दाम् ऐं ॐ॥
Om ain yashchamartyh stavairebhih tvan stoshyatyamalaane।
tasy vatapatirddhavibhavaih dhanadaaraadi sampadaam ain om॥

एकवेणी जपा कर्ण पूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता, 
लम्बोष्टी कर्णिका कर्णी तैला भ्यक्त शरीरिणी।
Ekveni Japa karna poora nagna kharasthita, 
Lamboshti Karnika karnee tailaa bhyakta shareerinee।

वाम पादोल्ल सल्लोह लताकण्टक भूषणा, 
वर्धन मूर्धध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयंकरी॥
Vaam paadoll salaloh lataakantak shyaama,
Vardhan moordhadhvaj krishna kaalaraatrirbhayankaree॥

Maa Kalratri Aarti (आरती)

कालरात्रि जय जय महाकाली, काल के मुंह से बचाने वाली॥
दुष्ट संघारक नाम तुम्हारा, महाचंडी 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 देखूं तेरा नजारा॥
सभी देवता सब नर-नारी, गावें स्तुति सभी तुम्हारी॥
रक्तदन्ता और अन्नपूर्णा, कृपा करे तो कोई भी दुःख ना॥
ना कोई चिंता 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॥

Kalratri jay jay mahaakaalee, kaal ke munh se bachaane vaalee॥
Dusht sanghaarak naam tumhara, mahachandee tera avatara॥
Prathvee aur aakash pe saara, Mahakali hai tera pasaara॥
khadag khappar rakhane vaalee, dushton ka lahoo chakhane vaalee ॥
Kalkatta sthaan tumhaara, sab jagah dekhoon tera najaara॥
Sabhee devata sab nar-naaree, gaaven stuti sabhee tumhaaree॥
Raktadanta aur annapoorna, Kripa kare to koi bhee duhkh na॥
Na Koi Chinta rahe na Bimari, na koee gam na sankat bhaaree॥
Us par kabhee kasht na aave, Mahakali Maa jise bachaave॥
Tu bhee Bhakt Prem se kah, Kalratri  Maa Teri jay॥

Maa Kalratri Prasad 

Offer jaggery (गुड़) as prasad to Maa Kalratri for alleviation from suffering, the removal of obstacles, and the ushering of happiness.