The seventh day of the Navratras is reserved for paying obeisance to Maa Kalaratri

Published on: Sep 29, 2025 4:50 PM IST

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The title Maa Kalaratri is rooted within the symbolism of night time and darkness. The phrase ‘Kala’ displays each time and darkness, suggesting the huge, all-encompassing nature of existence, whereas ‘Ratri’ instantly refers back to the potent power of the night time. Together, her title embodies the highly effective essence of time and night time. According to the Rigveda, this understanding was first revealed to Sage Kushika, who recognised the profound power of the night time and invoked it within the type of a Goddess.

Day 7 of Navratri this yr, dated September 29, is devoted to Maa Kalaratri (Photos: X)

The saying “It’s darkest before the dawn” aptly captures the revered function that the darkest nights play in Hindu mythology. According to legend, when the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha threatened the heavens, the Gods of Devalok, led by Lord Indra, turned to Lord Shiva and prayed to Goddess Parvati for assist. In response, Parvati created Chandi, who then gave rise to Maa Kalaratri.

At this level within the story, the demon Raktabija enters. He had a terrifying boon — each drop of his blood that touched the bottom would immediately produce one other demon, making him practically invincible. To defeat him, Maa Kalaratri drank all his blood earlier than it may fall, enabling the Gods to triumph. However, the blood she consumed ignited a firestorm of destruction inside her, inflicting her to go on a rampage.

Once once more, the Gods sought Lord Shiva’s intervention. To calm her, Shiva lay down in her path. When Maa Kalaratri stepped on him and realized it was her husband beneath her ft, her tongue prolonged in shock — a second immortalized within the iconic picture of Maa Kali. It was by means of this act that steadiness and peace have been finally restored.

Spiritually, Maa Kalaratri additionally presides over the Sahasrara chakra or the crown chakra which is related to the sides of inside realizing, evolving information and transcendent knowledge.

Honouring Maa Kalaratri

You can honour Maa Kalaratri by together with one thing orange in your apparel. Chanting ‘Oṃ Devī Okālarātryai Namaḥ‘ and:

Karalvandana dhoram muktkeshi chaturbhujam

Kaal Ratrim karalikaam divyam vidyutmala vibhushitam॥’,

in congruence with an providing of gur (jaggery) must be the order of the day.

Shubh Navratri!