Maa Kalaratri: Navratri Day 7 Puja Vidhi, Story & Mantra (2026)

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Maa Kalaratri: Navratri Day 7 Puja Vidhi, Story &…

Maa Kalaratri, the fierce goddess riding a donkey, holding a cleaver and torch

Maa Kalaratri: The Destroyer of Darkness (Navratri Day 7)

On the seventh day of Navratri, devotees worship the fiercest and most terrifying form of Goddess Durga, known as Maa Kalaratri. She is the seventh manifestation of the Navadurga (Nine Forms of Durga).

Her name is derived from Kala (Time/Death) and Ratri (Night), meaning “The Death of Time” or “The One who is darker than the night.” Despite her fearsome appearance, she is known as Shubhankari (The Auspicious One) because she destroys evil and protects her devotees from fear, ghosts, and negative energies.

📅 When to Worship Maa Kalaratri in 2026?

Stay updated with our Hindu Festival Calendar 2026.

🌸 Chaitra Navratri (Day 7)
Date: March 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
🍂 Sharad Navratri (Day 7)
Date: October 17, 2026 (Saturday)

The Legend of Chanda and Munda

According to the Devi Mahatmya, when the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha invaded heaven, the gods prayed to Goddess Parvati. From her forehead, the dark and ferocious Goddess Kalaratri emerged to battle the demon generals Chanda and Munda.

She fought with immense rage, her roar shaking the universe. After beheading Chanda and Munda, she presented their heads to Goddess Chamunda (another form of Durga). She later drank the blood of the demon Raktabija to prevent him from regenerating, aiding in the final victory of good over evil.

👁️ Divine Iconography:

  • Appearance: Dark complexion, disheveled hair, and three round eyes radiating intense light like lightning.
  • Mount: She rides a Donkey (Gadhab), symbolizing her humility and power over stubborn ignorance.
  • Arms: She has four hands. The left hands hold a Cleaver (iron hook) and a Torch. The right hands are in Abhaya (fearlessness) and Varada (blessing) Mudras.
  • Necklace: She wears a necklace that shines like the moon and lightning.

Navratri Day 7 Puja Vidhi

Worshipping Maa Kalaratri governs the Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra). This night (Saptami) is considered the most powerful for Tantric practices and overcoming deep-rooted fears.

1. Invocation

Cleanse the altar. Offer water and invoke Ganesh Ji, then Maa Kalaratri with the ‘Om Hrim Klim Chamundayai Vichche’ mantra.

2. Offerings (Bhog)

She loves Jaggery (Gud). Offering jaggery or dishes made from it is believed to remove pains and bring sudden gains.

3. Flowers

Offer the Night-blooming Jasmine (Raat Ki Rani) or Red Hibiscus flowers to please her.

4. Aarti & Protection

Perform Aarti with camphor. This night is special for prayers against planetary defects (Shani Dosha).

🕉️ Maa Kalaratri Mantra

Ekaveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita,
Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini.
Vamapadollasalloha Latakantakabhushana,
Vardhan Murdhadhwaja Krishna Kalaratrirbhayankari.

“She who rides a donkey, has a single braid, huge lips, and is adorned with thorns; who is anointed with oil, naked, and dark like the night – may the terrifying Kalaratri bless me.”

🎨 Auspicious Color for Day 7: Royal Blue

Perform Tantric & Vedic Pujas

SmartPuja offers specialized Pandits for Kalaratri Puja, Chandi Homa, and Dosha Nivarana Pujas at your home.

Conclusion

Maa Kalaratri is the remover of all fears. By worshipping her, devotees are freed from the fear of fire, water, animals, enemies, and night. She ensures that her devotees live a fearless and auspicious life. Trust SmartPuja to help you perform these powerful rituals with authenticity.

📍 Find Vedic Pandits in Your City

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