Oct 09,2024
Navratri began on Thursday, October 3, marking the start of Shardiya Navratri, a sacred festival celebrated by Hindu devotees. This nine-day event honours Maa Durga and her nine forms, collectively known as the Navdurgas. Each day is filled with various ceremonies and customs that highlight devotion and community spirit. The festivities will culminate on October 12 with Durga Visarjan, where idols of the goddess are immersed in water. The tenth day, celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, signifies the victory of good over evil.
On the seventh day of Navratri, devotees honour Goddess Kalaratri. She is revered for her protective qualities, believed to shield her followers from evil and fulfill their desires. This day is also associated with the colour royal blue.
On the seventh day of Navratri, Maa Durga takes on the fierce form of Goddess Kalaratri. This transformative aspect of the goddess is celebrated for her ability to battle ghosts, spirits and demons, showcasing the highest level of protection against evil forces.
According to Hindu mythology, this day holds great significance as Goddess Parvati sheds her golden outer skin to become Kalaratri, preparing to confront the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. The day’s rituals often include Utsava and Navagraha pujas.
Maa Kalaratri is regarded as Navdurga’s most violent avatar, to eradicate ignorance and evil from the universe. Maa Parvati’s avatar is shown as a destructive figure, with dark black hair, three eyes and four hands in the Abhaya and Varada mudras. She holds a sword and an iron hook in her left hand.
Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah.
Wearing royal blue on the seventh day of Navratri is a beautiful way to honour Mata Kalaratri. This vibrant shade symbolises wealth, grace and peace. Embracing this colour not only adds to the celebratory spirit but also reflects refinement and style, enhancing the overall experience of the nine-day festival.
This tradition emphasises the connection between colour and spirituality, making royal blue a fitting choice as devotees celebrate the fierce and protective aspects of Goddess Kalaratri.
According to Drik Panchang, here are the auspicious muhurats on the seventh day of Navratri:
Offering jaggery as prasad to Maa Kalaratri is believed to alleviate suffering, remove obstacles and bring joy to devotees. This sweet offering not only symbolises sweetness in life but is also thought to grant wishes and attract good fortune.
Worshiping Goddess Kalaratri is believed to bring good fortune and eliminate negative influences from the planets in one’s life. Devotees seek her blessings to have their desires fulfilled, as she is known for clearing obstacles and bestowing prosperity. Kalaratri, as one of the fierce forms of Goddess Durga, represents the destruction of evil and ignorance, thus providing a powerful shield against negativity.