‘Kaal Ratri’ means ‘ratri ka kaal’, or ‘the destroyer of the darkness’, which refers to all the evil forces like ghosts, spirits, and negative energies.
The seventh day of Navratri, known as Maha Saptami, is dedicated to Maa Kaalratri, the fiercest and most protective form of Goddess Durga. Her name itself reflects her power — “Kaal” meaning death or time, and “Ratri” meaning night. She destroys fear, evil, and negative energies, granting courage, fearlessness, and spiritual strength. Though her appearance is fearsome, her heart is filled with compassion for her devotees.
According to the Skanda Purana, Lord Shiva urged Goddess Parvati to destroy the demon king Durgamasur. Accepting his request, she summoned Maa Kaalratri for the divine mission. With her enchanting beauty, Maa Kaalratri captivated the demon king, and at the decisive moment, she reduced him to ashes with the fiery force of her breath. Along with Durgamasur, his entire army of demons was annihilated, bringing an end to their tyranny and restoring peace to the world.
In 2025, Navratri Day 7 (Maha Saptami) will be observed on Monday, 29th September 2025.
The auspicious time to worship Maa Kaalratri varies depending on sunrise and sunset.
Colour of the Day: Deep Blue — symbolizing power, inner strength, and protection.
Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide for New Devotees)
Durga Saptashati is recited at the same place and time as the Kalasa Stapana was performed.
Take an early morning bath and wear clean clothes (preferably deep blue or dark-coloured).
Clean the puja space and place a picture or idol of Maa Kaalratri or Maa Durga on a decorated altar covered with a clean red or dark cloth. Or just worship the Kalas.
Light a diya filled with ghee.
Offer water, akshat (turmeric rice), and sprinkle holy water around the altar.
Offer fresh flowers, especially red hibiscus or marigolds.
Recite the Dhyana mantra, visualizing the fierce yet protective form of Maa Kaalratri.
Present her favourite items such as jaggery, sesame sweets, coconut, fruits, and dry fruits.
Place the bhog in front of the Goddess.
Chant the main mantra:
“Om Devi Kaalraatrayai Namah”
Repeat 108 times for maximum blessings.
Perform aarti with camphor or a ghee lamp, singing Kaalratri aarti or Durga Aarti with devotion.
Offer gratitude and seek protection from fear, negativity, and obstacles.
Distribute prasad among family members and devotees.
Bhog for Maa Kaalratri
Devotees offer simple yet sacred food items to please Maa Kaalratri. Her favourite bhog includes:
- Jaggery (Gud) – considered highly auspicious
- Til ke laddoo (sesame sweets)
- Coconut
- Rice with ghee
- Fruits and dry fruits
- Mishri or batasha
Devi Ki Priya Vastu (Favourite Items)
To gain Maa Kaalratri’s special blessings, devotees should include these offerings:
- Hibiscus flowers (especially red)
- Jaggery (Gud)
- Sesame (Til)
- Coconut
- Bilva or Shami leaves
- Mustard oil diya
- Dark-coloured cloth for altar
- Fruits and dry fruits
Mantra & Stuti
- Beej Mantra:
“Om Aim Hreem Shreem Kaalraatrayai Namah” - Stuti:
“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Kaalratri Rupena Samsthita,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah”
For New Devotees & Pujari
- Always check the local panchang for exact tithi timings.
- Keep the atmosphere pure and peaceful during puja.
- Use clean utensils and avoid onion, garlic, or non-vegetarian food during offerings.
- Even a simple puja with flowers, diya, mantra chanting, and bhog is enough if done with pure devotion.
Maa Kaalratri represents the power that destroys fear and negativity, while guiding devotees towards light, wisdom, and inner courage. By performing Day 7 puja with sincerity, one not only gains protection from evil but also experiences strength, confidence, and spiritual awakening.
