Navratri Day 7: Who Is Maa Kalaratri? Here Are Step-by-Step Puja Rituals

New Delhi: Today is the seventh day of Chaitra Navratri. This day is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri. Maa Kalaratri is the destroyer of darkness. Worshiping her specifically liberates the devotee from the fear of death and negative energy.

When is Goddess Kalaratri worshiped and what is its significance?

Maa Kalaratri is the seventh and most fierce form of Goddess Durga. She is dark-skinned and rides on a donkey. Maa Kalaratri is said to be the most powerful form of Shakti, destroying evil and darkness and always providing protection and blessings to her devotees. It is believed that devotees who worship Maa Kalaratri with a true heart are relieved of negative energy and experience increased courage and self-confidence. 

How to worship Maa Kalaratri?

• Wake up in the Brahma Muhurta on the seventh day of Navratri, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. 
• Clean the place of worship and sit on seat.
• Sprinkle Ganga water on the idol or picture of the Goddess.
• Maa Kalaratri is very fond of red, so offer her red flowers, red fruits, and red clothes.
• Wear red or dark colored clothes.
• Offer hibiscus flowers, roli, Akshat, etc. to the Goddess during the puja.
• Offer jaggery or Malpua made from jaggery to Maa Kalaratri as an offering.
• Light a lamp with mustard oil or desi ghee.
• Chant the mantras of Maa Kalaratri with a rosary of red sandalwood or Rudraksha.
• At the end, light camphor and perform the aarti of the Mother Goddess and distribute Prasad among all the people.

Which food does Maa Kalaratri like the most?

Maa Kalaratri loves jaggery (gud) and sweet dishes prepared with jaggery. She also enjoys jaggery kheer, coconut laddus, and red-colored items. By offering these prasad, the Goddess is pleased and fulfills the wishes of the devotees.

What are the ways to please the Goddess?

• Donate food and clothes to the needy
• Feed fruits and sweets to girls
• Wear red clothes
• Do not hold any grudge against anyone
• Meditate and have positive thoughts throughout the day.