Sharad Navratri began on Sunday, October 11, making today, October 17, the seventh day of the festivities. Of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, the seventh day is dedicated to the worship of Maa Kalaratri with the colour for the day being grey. Here is everything you need to know about this day.
Maa Kalaratri Vrat Katha
The story goes that the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and their master, Raktabeej had wreaked havoc across the trilok, attempting to take over heaven as well. What fortified them was a unique boon that Raktabeej had received from Lord Shiva Himself – that whenever a drop of his blood would fall on the battlefield, each would manifest his clone from the ground up. As the battle to defend the heavens continued, the Gods came together to pray to Goddess Parvati. The Goddess, hearing their pleas, took on the ferocious form of Maa Kalaratri, slaying Raktabeej by drinking his blood before it could fall to the ground.
In typical iconography, Maa Kalaratri is depicted with dark complexion with wild, unkempt hair and three fierce eyes. Her vahan is a donkey, symbolising humility and endurance while in her four hands, she holds a sword, iron hooks and performs the Abhaya Mudra, representing fearlessness and the Varada Mudra representing boon-giving. Maa Kalaratri’s depiction is intentionally terrifying, but her true nature is one of great benovelence and protection when it comes to her devotees.
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Maa Kalaratri Puja Vidhi
As per the Drik Panchang, the Saptami titihi for the day of Maa Kalaratri commenced yesterday October 16 at 5:56am and will continue on till 8:28am on Sunday, October 18, making today the primary fasting day. The Brahma Muhurta commenced at 4:43am today and will continue till 5:33am while the Abhijit Muhurta will commence at 11:43am and go on till 12:29pm. Be mindful to not perform any puja between 9:15am and 10:40am, keeping in mind the Rahu Kaal.
Chant the following mantras while offering prayers to Maa Kalaratri:
Begin with – ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥
Beej Mantra – ॐ ह्रीं क्रां क्रीं क्रौं कालरात्र्यै नमः स्वाहा॥
Dhyana Mantra – एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता I
लम्बोष्ठी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी II
वामपादोल्लसल्लोहलताकण्टकभूषणा III
वर्धनमूर्धध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रिर्भयङ्करी IIII
Conclude your prayers to Maa Kalaratri with the Universal Navdurga Mantra – या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
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Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
