Navaratri 2017 day seven: How to worship the seventh form of the Goddess: Kaalratri

Wednesday, the seventh day of Navratri is an important day when devotees worship the Goddess as Kaalratri.

Wednesday, the seventh day of Navratri is an important day when devotees worship the Goddess as Kaalratri. Literally, the one who wins over time, Kaalratri. She is also known as Kaali Maa, because of her dark complexion. She has a fierce appearance but is the easiest form of the Goddess to please. She wears electricity as her necklace, has four hands and holds a sword and khadga. She has two hands in abhay and vara mudra - the postures for showering devotees with fearlessness and blessings.

Goddess Kaalratri is also known as Kaali Maa, because of her dark complexion.

Different regions of the country have different ways of worshiping the Goddess and performing the rituals. Here, we talk about the traditions that originated near Banaras.

How to worship Ma Kaalratri

Offer jaggery and food made from jaggery as prasad to Ma Kaalratri. Recite “Om Ayam Hreem Kreem Chamundaaye Vicche, Om Kaalratri Mata Devyaye Namah”. Devotees also recite the Durga Saptashati after offering the puja.

Rituals for the night

Nisha puja is performed on Saptami night. Devotees following the tantrik path also offer alcohol and siddhi to the Goddess. However, it is advised that this puja is best done under the guidance of aghori tantriks. Devotees usually perform the sringar puja on Saptami night wherein they offer sindoor, kajal, comb, hair oil, shampoo, nail paint, lipstick and two sets of all products normally used in makeup. One set of the products is later donated to temples while devotees use the other set for themselves as a form of prasad.

Best time for the puja

The best time for puja on Wednesday is before 5:23 pm. Ashtami tithi begins after 5:23 pm. The time for Nisha or sringar puja is after 11pm.

Mythological story around Kaalratri Mata

Durga took the form of Kaali when during a battle with the demons, it was becoming impossible to kill Raktabeej. According to the Durga Saptashati, Raktabeej had a boon which made new demons out of each drop of blood that fell from his body to the ground. To solve this predicament, Durga took the form of Kaali and drank all the blood that came out after slashing the demon’s body.

What to eat and wear

White is Kaalratri Devi’s favourite colour, so devotees should eat white-coloured food and white wear clothes.

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