Mumbai: Navratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with devotion over nine days. On the 7th day of Navratri 2024, known as Saptami, devotees worship Maa Kaalratri, a fierce and powerful form of Goddess Durga. This day holds immense significance, as it is believed that offering prayers to Maa Kaalratri removes obstacles, fear, and all forms of suffering.
Maa Kaalratri is depicted as a fearsome deity with a dark complexion, three eyes, open hair, and a garland of skulls. She rides a donkey, symbolising her readiness to destroy evil forces. Her worship on the 7th day of Navratri helps in eliminating fear and leading devotees towards salvation.
To perform the 7th day of Navratri puja properly, devotees should wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes. Start the puja by offering prayers to the Kalash (holy pot), lighting a diya, and making offerings of rice, flowers, and fruits to Maa Kaalratri. Red flowers like hibiscus or roses, which are her favourite, should be offered.
After offering bhog, devotees chant the 7th day of the Navratri mantra using a red sandalwood or rudraksha garland. The mantra to chant is:
“Ekveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita, Lambosthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini, Vamapadollasalloha Lata Kantakabhushana, Vardhanamurdhadhwaja Krishna Kaalratri Bhayankari.”
The 7th day bhog of Navratri offered to Maa Kaalratri is jaggery (gud) or sweets made from jaggery, like halwa or ladoo. Offering jaggery is believed to bring blessings and remove obstacles in one’s life.
Maa Kaalratri image
The colour for the 7th day of Navratri is royal blue. Wearing this colour on Saptami Navratri signifies strength and protection, mirroring the fierce nature of Maa Kaalratri.
Worshipping Maa Kaalratri on the 7th day of Navratri 2024 removes all forms of fear and negativity. Her worship is believed to eradicate evil forces, bring peace to the household, and promote spiritual growth.
Chanting mantras dedicated to Maa Kaalratri brings protection and blessings. The 7th day of the Navratri mantra and stuti (praise) mantras are powerful tools for invoking her blessings.
Prayer Mantra: Reciting this prayer to Maa Kaalratri is believed to invoke her blessings and protection.
“Ekveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita,
Lambosthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini,
Vamapadollasalloha Lata Kantakabhushana,
Vardhanamurdhadhwaja Krishna Kaalratri Bhayankari.”
Study Mantra: This stuti (praise) mantra honours the presence of Maa Kaalratri in all beings.
“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kaalratri Rupena Sansthita,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.”
Meditation Mantra: This dhyan mantra is recited to focus the mind on Maa Kaalratri’s powerful form.
“Karalavandana Ghora Mukteshi Chaturbhujam,
Kaalratrim Karalimka Divyam Vidyutamala Vibhushitam,
Divyam Louhavraja Khadga Vamoghor Dhvaghah Paranikam Mam.”
Maa Kaalratri photo
The 7th day of Navratri 2024 holds deep spiritual meaning as devotees worship Maa Kaalratri, the fierce protector. Offering bhog, chanting mantras, and wearing the auspicious royal blue colour bring her blessings and help eliminate obstacles and fear. May the blessings of Maa Kaalratri lead you towards peace and spiritual growth this Navratri 2024.
