The sixth day of Navaratri is dedicated to Goddess Kalratri. The word ‘Kaal’ means the time of Death and ‘ratri’ means the night or darkness. Maa Kalratri signifies the one who removes the darkness. This incarnation of Maa Durga is has a dark complexion, red eyes, red tongue, sparkling neck and is depicted riding on a donkey. This is the most frightening roop of Maa Durga. Maa Kalratri possesses three eyes and four hands. Her left hands are depicted holding a cleaver and a dragger; while Her right hands are in Abhayamudrā and Varadamudra hand gestures. Abhayamudrā indicates the gesture of fearlessness; and Varadamudra indicates showering of blessings. By worshipping Her, the devotees can be blessed with positive environment as She removes all the negativity or ignorance from Her devotees’ lives. She is also known as ‘Shubhakumari’ as She took this roop for the betterment of the devotees. She is believed to spread the message of staying clear from earthly problems like pain, anger, etc and to understand the reality of ‘moksha’.

MYTHOLOGICAL STORY

According to Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Puran, two demons (Asuras), Shumbha and Nishumbha, believed that no woman was as powerful as them in this Universe and hence, managed to get a boon by Lord Brahma that no force in this universe could kill them except a woman. After being granted this boon, they entered Brahma Lok and began tormenting the saints and their peace. As the saints prayed and tried seeking help, Goddess Parvati heard their cries and mercifully gave rise to Her another beautiful form, Goddess Kaushiki (Ambika). Seeing this, the followers of Shumbha and Nishumbha, named Chanda and Munda, informed the brother of her divine beauty. Stunned by this, the brother sent a marriage proposal to the Goddess, which is refused to saying that She is only bound to marry the one who can defeat Her on a battle field. Hence, the brother first sent an army, which was obviously defeated by the Goddess Herself, and later both Chanda and Munda were sent to fight with the Goddess. Goddess Chandi took the roop of Kali and killed Chanda and Munda. This is the reason She is also known as Chamunda.

Seeing this, some supporters came forward to support the Goddess; while some demons came to support the evil brothers. Another demon Raktabija came to defeat Maa Kali. Raktabija had a boon that if even a single drop of his blood touches the ground, it will give rise to several Rakhtabijas. Observing this, Goddess Kaushiki plotted with Maa Chamuna that Goddess Kaushiki will to slit the demon’s body into pieces while Maa Chamunda will drink every bit of blood pouring out of his body.

Finally, all the forms of Goddess together killed Nishumbha and left Shumbha alone. The demon Shumbha did not give up and mocked the Goddess that She is weak enough to defeat him and will have to take help of seven other Goddesses. This enraged the Goddess and consequently, She combined all other forms of Shakti into herself and alone freed the world from all the evilness by killing the demon Shumbha.

COLOR DEDICATED TO MATA KALRATRI

The devotees are advised to wear blue, red or white color to seeking blessings from Maa Kalratri.

HOW TO OFFER THE PUJA TO MAA KALRATRI
    • The devotees, after taking bath and cleaning the puja sthan, should put the tilak on the idol.
    • The devotees should chant the following mantra for 108 times to seek the blessings from Mata Kalratri.

वाम पादोल्ल सल्लोहलता कण्टक भूषणा | वर्धन मूर्ध ध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रि भर्यङ्करी ||

  • Akhand jyoti should be kept burning until the 9th day.
  • The urn should be worshipped and watered everyday (Ghatasthapana).
  • The yagya can be performed on each day, early in the morning, to bring positive vibes in the house.

|| Jai Maa Kalratri ||