As the vibrant festival of Chaitra Navratri unfolds its seventh day, devotees across the globe prepare to pay homage to Maa Kalratri, the formidable manifestation of Goddess Durga. Falling on April 15 this year, Day 7, also known as Saptami, holds profound significance in Hindu mythology, marking the worship of Maa Kalratri, the fierce protector who vanquishes evil forces and bestows blessings upon her devotees.
Who is Maa Kalratri?
Maa Kalratri, the seventh avatar of Maa Durga, epitomizes strength and fearlessness. With a complexion as dark as the night, she rides a donkey and bears four hands, wielding a sword and an iron hook in her left hands while gesturing protection and blessings with her right hands. Despite her formidable appearance, Maa Kalratri is revered for her benevolence, known to dispel obstacles and sorrows while safeguarding her devotees from malevolent energies. She is also hailed as Goddess Shubhankari, symbolizing auspiciousness and protection.
Legend of Maa Kalratri
According to ancient lore, Maa Kalratri played a pivotal role in the defeat of the demons Chanda, Munda, and Raktabeej. When the demons threatened the balance of the universe, the gods sought the intervention of Goddess Parvati, who manifested Maa Kalratri to restore order. With unparalleled courage, she annihilated the demons, embodying the triumph of good over evil.
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 7: Timing and Auspicious Muhurat
On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri Day 7, devotees observe specific timings and muhurats to perform the puja rituals dedicated to Maa Kalratri:
- Saptami Tithi Starts: 11:44 am on April 14
- Saptami Tithi Ends: 12:11 pm on April 15
- Brahma Muhurat: 4:26 am to 5:11 am
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:56 am to 12:47 pm
- Vijay Muhurat: 2:30 pm to 3:21 pm
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 7: Rituals and Offerings
Devotees adorn themselves in white attire, symbolizing purity and devotion, to invoke the blessings of Maa Kalratri. Offerings of jaggery and prasad made from it are presented to the goddess, signifying sweetness and reverence. The sringar puja, performed on Saptami night, involves offering sindoor, kajal, and other cosmetic items to the deity, which are later donated to temples as a symbol of gratitude.
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 7: Mantra and Prayers
To invoke the divine presence of Maa Kalratri and seek her blessings, devotees chant the following mantra and prayers:
Mantra: “Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah”
Prathana: “Ekaveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthit Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini Vamapadollasalloha Latakantakabhushana Vardhana Murdhadhwaja Krishna Kalaratrirbhayankari”
Stuti: “Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kalaratri Rupena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah”
As the devotees immerse themselves in the divine aura of Maa Kalratri, they embrace her fierce yet compassionate essence, seeking solace and protection amidst life’s challenges. Chaitra Navratri Day 7 heralds not only the worship of a formidable deity but also the celebration of courage, resilience, and unwavering faith in the divine.
