7th Day of Shardiya Navratri 2022 : Maa Kaalratri
(Image credit: AVSahpaathi)
The celebration of Navratri is now in full swing by devotees of the Goddess Durga. As the demon Mahishasura was crushed by Goddess Shakti during these nine days, the festival stands for the victory of good over evil. The Navdurgas or the nine avatars of Maa Shakti are cherished on each day of the festival.
On Shashthi, after honoring Maa Katyayani, followers worship Maa Kaalratri on the seventh day of Navratri on Saptami. This year, it falls on Sunday 2nd of October.
About Maa Kaalratri:
Maa Parvati was recognized as Maa Kaalratri when she removed her outward golden skin to kill the devils, according to folklore. She’s the most violent incarnation of Maa Durga. She has dark skin, possesses four hands, mounts a donkey, and wears a wreath of skulls around her neck. She grips a sword and a lethal iron hook in her left hand while her right hands are in Abhaya and Varada Mudras (in the defensive and blessing form).
She’s also relegated to as the Goddess Shubhankari. Her name is a blend of the words Kaal, which means death, and Ratri, which denotes darkness. Hence, Kaalratri provokes the “death of darkness.”
According to Hindu legend, Shumbha and Nishumbha thwarted the Gods with the help of Chanda, Munda, and Raktabeej. Then Lord Indra and other Gods appealed to Maa Parvati. To destroy them, she established Goddess Chandi. While the Goddess Chandi slew the other demons, Chanda, Munda, and Raktabeej continued valiantly. It’s assumed, Maa Parvati from her forehead formed Maa Kaalratri to limit them.
Maa Kaalratri occupied both monsters in war. While Chanda and Munda were slain by Maa Kaalratri, it was hard for her to overcome Raktabeej. He had obtained a boon from Lord Brahma that allowed each drop of his blood that fell to the ground to become a replica of him. Maa Kaalratri fought relentlessly and gulped the blood of the clones of Raktabeej. Finally, she massacred him.
Shubh Muhurat and Timings:
On the day of Saptami, the first day of the Saraswati Puja during Navratri, Saraswati Ahvahan is celebrated (prayer of the Goddess). The Mula Nakshatra will start at 3:11 a.m on 2nd October and will end on 3rd October at 1:53 a.m. The Saptami will also remain till 6:47 p.m. on 2nd October.
Saraswati Ahvahan Muhurat- 8:52 a.m to 2:32 p.m.
Brahma Muhurat– 4:37 a.m to 5:26 a.m.
Abhijit Muhurat– 11:46 a.m to 12:34 p.m.
(All the Muhurat belong to 2nd of October)
Maa Kaalratri Puja Vidhi:
Devotees are advised to get up early on Saptami, take a bath, and wear fresh costumes. Prarthana and Mantras dedicated to the Goddess should be recited during the puja. Maa Kaalratri should be offered with night-blooming jasmine flowers.
Worshipers on Saptami night can do the Shringar Puja by bringing in kajal, sindoor, comb, hair oil, nail paint, and lipstick. This ritual marks the use of two sets of the items, one of which can be contributed to temples and the other set can be absorbed as prasad at home.
Maa Kaalratri Bhog:
A specific bhog of jaggery or meals made with jaggery is served to Maa Kaalratri on the seventh day or Saptami of Navratri.
Color of the 7th day of Navratri 2022:
The color of the seventh day of Navratri is orange. It symbolizes passion and spreads good vibes. To celebrate Saptami, disciples of Maa Shakti and her seventh form, Maa Kaalratri, may be adorned in orange color.
Significance of Saptami in Navratri:
Maa Kaalratri regulates the planet Shani. She also delivers happiness to her supporters and abolishes the planet’s negative effects on their existence. She safeguards them from every pain, bestows them with all that they need in life, and eliminates their difficulties. During Navratri, the Goddess is lauded because she can demolish all wrongs and maintain peace.
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