New Delhi: Chaitra Navratri is celebrated by worshipping the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. On the seventh day of Chaitra Navratri, Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped who is known to be the fiercest incarnation among all.
Significance
Goddess Kalaratri, the seventh incarnation of Goddess Durga is believed to drive away all the negative energy. As per popular belief, she is the destroyer of demons and ghosts.
Appearance
Goddess Kalaratri looks different from other incarnations as she is darker in complexion and adorns loose hair. She also carries iron hooks in her two left hands, while the other hands are held in Abhaya and Varada Mudras.
Prayer And Bhog
Goddess Kalaratri is offered kumkum (vermillion), red flowers, and a lemon garland. She is believed to like jaggery or gud, so her bhog includes dishes made of jaggery.
Mantra
Mantra to be chanted to get Goddess Kalaratri’s blessings- Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah
Another manta to be chanted is- Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kalaratri Rupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
Day seven of the Chaitra Navratri is also significant for those who keep a fast during these nine days as this is the last day for those who observe a ‘samapan’ on the eighth day.
Those who conclude Navratri on the eighth day invite young girls to feed them the bhog made for the Goddess in the morning and then eat the grains after eight days of fasting. For such people, the seventh day is the last day of fasting.
This year, Chaitra Navratri begna on April 2 and will conclude on April 11.