The seventh day of the holy nine-day festival of Navratri, the followers of India and the world remember Goddess Kaalratri- a fierce, transformative avatar of Durga who is famous for her ability to annihilate negativity and evil. This day, also known as Saptami, has a high spiritual and ritual importance in the nine-day celebration of the goddess’s nine appearances.
Navratri Day 7 Deity: Maa Kaalratri
Maa Kaalratri is worshiped as the most fearsome and guardian part of Durga. Legend portrays her as dark complexioned like a night without the moon, with uncombed hair, three eyes, and four hands- two granting blessings and protection, and two carrying a sword and iron hook. She mounts a donkey, which represents humility and perseverance. Her name refers to “the dark night,” symbolising both destruction of darkness and the bringing of light and truth. Hailed for her role in eliminating demons such as Shumbha, Nishumbha, Chanda, and Munda, Kaalratri’s presence is said to destroy all negative energies, fears, and obstacles, purifying the environment and empowering her devotees to face adversities.
Navratri Day 7: Relevance and Significance
Day 7 of Navratri signifies the triumph of courage and divine protection over fear and evil. Worshiping Maa Kaalratri is thought to provide strength, protection from accidents and foes, and elimination of the blocks that impede spiritual and personal development. The goddess is also connected with boosting psychic power, encouraging wisdom, and granting stability of the mind. Her dark, powerful presence reminds the followers that confronting one’s own inner darkness is the key to achieving light and positivity. Scriptural sources also regard her as the presiding deity of Shani (Saturn), associating her blessings with successful passage through hardships and gain of enduring spiritual rewards.
Rituals Related to Navratri Day 7
Worshipers start the seventh day early in the morning with a bath and fresh clothes, traditionally orange color, which represents heat, energy, and spiritual transformation. The home shrine is ready with the image or idol of Maa Kaalratri. Red hibiscus flowers, jaggery and sesame offerings, and night-blooming jasmine (her favorite flower) are offered. The lamp of ghee and incense is lit traditionally. Recitation of mantras, especially “Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah”, and reading of Durga Saptashati, Navarna Mantra, or Kaalratri Stotra are significant components of the devotion.
Several observe a satvik vrat, eating only fruits, water, and light vegetarian food. Tamarind food and meat products are avoided entirely. In the night, devotees keep lamps alight and might give away orange or black-coloured attire, food, or grains. Performing a Navagraha puja on the day is very auspicious, ushering the positive power of Saturn.
Worshipping Goddess Kaalratri on Day 7 of Navratri is said to eliminate obstacles, grant peace and protection, and confer strength, courage, and fearlessness, thus making it a spiritually empowering milestone in the festival of Navratri.
