7th Day of Navratri
Navratri, the nine-day festival celebrating the divine feminine, holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus. Each day is dedicated to a specific form of the goddess Durga, and the seventh day is reserved for Maa Kalratri.
Kalratri embodies the fierce and powerful aspect of Durga, representing the destruction of darkness and evil. Her name translates to "Black Night," and she is depicted as having a dark complexion, riding a donkey, and wielding a sword and a noose.
Maa Kalratri's Story
According to legend, Kalratri emerged when the gods were facing a formidable demon named Raktabīja. With every drop of his blood that fell to the ground, another demon would arise. Seeing this, Durga took the form of Kalratri and devoured every drop of Raktabīja's blood, preventing him from multiplying.
Mantra and Rituals
On the seventh day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Kalratri with great reverence. They chant her mantra:
"Om Devi Kalratriye Namah"
and perform special rituals, such as:
- Offering flowers and fruits
- Performing aarti
- Reciting the Kalratri Chalisa
- Fasting and observing celibacy
Significance
Maa Kalratri symbolizes the inner strength within us that can overcome any adversity. She reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the divine is always with us, protecting and guiding us. Worshiping Kalratri on this day brings courage, removes fears, and bestows blessings upon devotees.
The Color Violet
The color associated with the seventh day of Navratri is violet. It represents the transformative power of Maa Kalratri, as well as her ability to dispel darkness and bring light into our lives. Violet is also a symbol of spirituality and inner peace.
Reflection
The
Navratri festival is a reminder to embrace the divine feminine within and to seek strength and guidance from the goddesses. As we celebrate the seventh day and worship Maa Kalratri, let us reflect on our own inner strength and resolve to overcome any challenges that come our way. By connecting with the divine power of Kalratri, we can illuminate the path ahead and manifest our highest potential.