According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga has to come into her most dreadful Swaroop - Devi Kalratri, to destroy cruel demon Raktabeej. There was no one in the Gods army who could kill Raktabeej because one drop of his scattered blood was able to create another embodiment of Raktabeej. Goddess Durga has to come into Kalratri avatar to kill him. She kept a Patra (vessel) to keep and assimilate whole blood of Raktabeej so that no more Raktabeej come into existence for fight. Her extreme vicious appearance while annihilating Raktabeej and other demons is immensely frightened. At the same time, she is a caring and loving goddess among Navdurga.
The 7th day of Navaratri is dedicated to Maa Kalratri, the 7th Avtar of Maa Durga. Here, Kaal means time and death and Kaalratri means the One who is the Death of Kaal. Maa Kalratri destroys ignorance and brings light into the dark. Well, this form also depicts the dark side – the super power that creates havoc and removes all things bad and dirty. But to Her devotees, She brings calmness and courage.
Maa Kaalratri has dark complexion. Donkey is Her mount, She has bountiful hair and four hands. One of the two left hands holds a cleaver and the other holds a torch, and the right two hands are in “giving” and “protecting” mudras. She has three eyes emanate rays like lightning and Her necklace is shining like thunder. When She inhales and exhales air, flames appear through Her nostrils. Ganesha advises you to wear Blue, Read and White colour on this day.
Maa teaches us that sorrow, pain, decay, destruction and death are unavoidable and cannot be ignored. These are the truths of life and denying them is futile. We must accept their presence and significance to realise the fullness of our being and our potential.
Chant this mantra to worship Maa Kaalratri...
वाम पादोल्ल सल्लोहलता कण्टक भूषणा |
वर्धन मूर्ध ध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रि भर्यङ्करी ||