Navratri is a special occasion, a time for new beginnings and offering your dedication and reverence to the Goddess Shakti. The seventh day of Navratri is celebrated to worship the manifestation of Goddess Durga known as Kaalratri. Here, Kaal means time and death and Kaalratri means the One who is the Death of Kaal. Maa Kaalratri destroys ignorance and brings light into the dark. This form of Goddess Durga also depicts the dark side – the super power that creates havoc and removes all things bad and dirty. But to Her devotees, She brings calmness and courage. Maa Kaalratri has dark black complexion, bountiful hair and is shown as riding on a donkey. She is also depicted with four hands. Maa Skandmanta right hands are in Abhaya and Varada Mudra and in her two left hands she carries a sword and a deadly iron hook. Maa Skandmanta has three eyes that emanate rays like lightning and her necklace is shining like thunder. When She inhales and exhales air, flames appear through her nostrils. Maa Skandmanta teaches us that sorrow, grief, pain, decay, destruction and death are unavoidable and cannot be ignored. These are the truths of life and denying them is futile. We must accept their presence and significance to realise the fullness of our being and our potential.

As per Tantra spiritual practice, Maa Kaalratri is the goddess of the Sahasrāra Chakra (Crown Chakra). Sahasrara Chakra gives sidhhi and nidhi to devotee. The Sahasrāra Chakra is located on the crown (Hence Crown Chakra) of the head beneath the Fontanelle, which is easily visible in a new-born child. It is also known as the Thousand-petalled Lotus, Brahmrandhra (door to Brahma) and Source of Light (because a supernatural light as bright as the sun radiates from it).Sahasrāra Chakra is the source of creation, the pure light and one reality – God. The awakening of the Sahasrāra Chakra means revelation of the Divine Splendour and attainment of Supreme Consciousness.

Chant this mantra to worship Maa Kaalratri

एकवेणी जपाकर्णपूरा नग्ना खरास्थिता।
लम्बोष्टी कर्णिकाकर्णी तैलाभ्यक्तशरीरिणी||
वाम पादोल्ल सल्लोहलता कण्टक भूषणा |
वर्धन मूर्ध ध्वजा कृष्णा कालरात्रि भर्यङ्करी ||