The propitious festival of Navaratri 2018 is soon coming to an end, nevertheless, people still have two more days to be captivated by the colourful festival of songs and dance. Other than dancing into the wee hours of dandiya and garba nights, devotees also worship nine different forms of Goddess Durga. As we observe the day 7 of the festival with colour Red, on this day, ferocious form of Goddess Parvati, Goddess Kalaratri, is worshipped. Goddess Kalaratri also known as Maa Kaali is the seventh avatar of Goddess Durga. Maa Kalaratri is believed to be the fiercest form of Goddess Parvati. Read on to know more about this Kalaratri avatar of Goddess Durga, mantra to chant and the story behind this form of the Goddess. Navratri 2018 Day 7 Colour, October 16 – Red: Hina Khan, Aditi Bhatia & Madhuri Dixit Show You How to Look Radiant in the Colour of Love This Festival.

Story of Goddess Kalaratri  

There are many mythological stories associated with the transformation of Goddess Durga into Maa Kaali or Kalaratri. According to the most common legend, Goddess Parvati removed her outer golden skin to kill demons named Shumba and Nishumba who invaded and defeated devlok (realm of demigods). The demigods prayed to Goddess Parvati seeking for help who readily transformed herself into Goddess Chandika, to battle with demons on behalf of all devtas. Maa Kaali destroyed both the demons. Maa Kalratri also fought another demon called Raktveej and kept drinking his blood until he was completely dead, causing her tongue to appear blood-red. Durga Puja 2018 Greetings: Navratri WhatsApp Messages, GIF Images, Facebook Status, Quotes & SMSes to Wish Shubho Pujo on Durgostav.

Iconography

Goddess Kalaratri’s complexion is dark black and rides on a donkey. She is depicted with four hands – two right hands are in Abhaya and Varada Mudra and two left hands carry a sword and the deadly iron hook, respectively. Sometimes, she is seen standing on a demon’s corpse and holding it’s freshly cut head while in her other hand she’s holding a trident. Maa Kalaratri also wears a necklace of skulls. Because of her auspicious power within her ferocious form Goddess Kalaratri is also known as Goddess Shubhankari.

Kalaratri Mantra and Prarthana

Kalaratri Manta – Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah ||

Kalaratri Prarthana – Ekaveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita | Lamboshthi Karnikakarnii Tailabhyakta Sharirini || Vamapadollasalloha Latakantakabhushana | Vardhana Murdhadhwaja Krishna Kalaratrirbhayankari ||

It is believed that planet Shani is governed by Goddess Kalaratri. Devotees worship Maa Kalaratri to seek her blessings to eliminate all troubles from their lives. This form of Maa Durga is believed to destroy all demons, ghosts and negative energies. She is also believed to be the destroyer of time and death. Although she might look intimidating, Maa Kaali is benevolent towards all worshippers. It is also said that Kalaratri is known by names of Mahamaya, Mahamari, Mahakali, Shudha, Trisha, Nidra, Trishna, Ekveera and Durtyaya. On the seventh day of the Navratri festival, revere Goddess Kalaratri and pay homage to the Goddess.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2018 08:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).