Navratri: Day 7 celebrates Goddess Kalaratri

Team Udayavani, Oct 21, 2023, 8:47 AM IST

On the seventh day of the Navratri festival, devotees pay homage to Goddess Kalaratri, also known as Kaalaratri, and sometimes referred to as Shubhankari.

Goddess Kalaratri represents the seventh incarnation of Goddess Parvati and is believed to be the deity who offers deliverance from life’s challenges. Worshipping Goddess Kalaratri during the nighttime is considered highly auspicious.

Kalaratri took on this divine form to annihilate the formidable demons Raktabeej, Shumbha, and Nishumbha.

The name “Kalaratri” is derived from her dark complexion, often described as Krishna Varna. Depictions of Goddess Kalaratri typically portray her with three eyes, seated on a donkey. She possesses four arms, bearing a Kanta (an iron weapon) and a Khadga. Her neck is adorned with a radiant garland that resembles lightning.

Devotees believe that worshiping Goddess Kalaratri is a surefire means to dispel fear of spirits, ghosts, negative influences, adversaries, and competitors.