The nine-day festival of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine manifestations, began on September 22 this year and will conclude on October 2 with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.

Each day of the festival honours one form of Maa Durga, accompanied by distinct rituals, colours, and prayers.

On the seventh day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Kalaratri, a fierce and protective form of Goddess Durga, known for shielding her followers from evil and negative forces. Orange is the auspicious colour of the day.

Significance of Goddess Kalaratri

Maa Kalaratri is considered one of the most ferocious forms of Durga. According to legend, when demons like Shumbha, Nishumbha, Chanda, Munda and Raktabeej terrorised the three worlds, Maa Parvati removed her golden skin. She assumed the terrifying form of Kalaratri to vanquish them.

She is portrayed with dark complexion, flowing black hair, three eyes and four hands. While her right hands display the Abhaya (protection) and Varada (blessing) mudras, her left hands hold a sword and an iron hook.

Her vehicle, a donkey, represents humility and endurance. Worshipping her is believed to grant courage, safeguard devotees from adversities, and provide spiritual strength.

Navratri 2025 Day 7 Mantra

“Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah॥”

Puja Vidhi for Day 7

Devotees wake up early, bathe, and wear fresh clothes. The rituals involve offerings of rice, flowers, incense sticks, dry fruits, panchamrit, perfumed water, and special prasad.

Night-blooming jasmine, regarded as Maa Kalaratri’s favourite flower, is especially offered during prayers.

Performing Navagraha puja on this day is considered highly auspicious. Maa Kalaratri is believed to be the presiding deity of planet Shani (Saturn).

Goddess Kalaratri’s Aarti

Devotees sing Maa Kalaratri’s aarti, invoking her power to destroy evil and protect her followers:

Kaalratri, hail Mahakali. The one who saves from the jaws of death.

Your name is the destroyer of evil. Your incarnation is Mahachandi.

Your presence is spread all over the earth and sky.

The one who holds the sword and skull. The one who tastes the blood of the wicked.

Calcutta is your place. I want to see you everywhere.

All the gods, all men and women. Everyone sings your praises.

Raktdanta and Annapurna. If you bless me, there will be no sorrow.

There will be no worry, no illness. No grief, no heavy crisis.

May no suffering ever come upon the one whom Mahakali Maa saves.

You too, devotees, say with love. Jai Maa Kaalratri.

Beliefs

It is said that worshipping Maa Kalaratri removes hurdles, wards off negative energies, and blesses devotees with strength, peace, and protection.