What to do on Day-7 of Navratri?

Navratri Day 7: Worship of Goddess Kalaratri – The Fearsome Protector

Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, reaches its seventh day with the veneration of Goddess Kalaratri. Known as one of the fiercest forms of the Goddess, Kalaratri is revered for her power to destroy darkness and evil. On this day, devotees focus on rituals, prayers, and food offerings that emphasize purification, protection, and the eradication of negative energies.

Significance of Day 7: Worship of Goddess Kalaratri

Goddess Kalaratri is depicted as a fierce and terrifying form of Durga. She is often shown with dark skin, disheveled hair, three eyes, and four hands holding a weapon and a noose, while the other two hands are in the mudras (gestures) of giving and protection. Despite her fearsome appearance, Kalaratri is also known as Shubhankari, meaning she who brings auspiciousness. Her worship on the seventh day of Navratri is believed to remove fear, protect from evil forces, and purify the soul.

The seventh day, known as Saptami, is dedicated to overcoming internal and external fears and is seen as a powerful day for spiritual cleansing. Devotees seek the blessings of Kalaratri to destroy the ignorance and darkness within themselves and to gain the courage to face life’s challenges.

Rituals and Celebrations on Day 7

1. Morning Rituals and Puja:

• The day begins with an early morning bath, followed by the cleaning and decoration of the worship space. Black or dark blue flowers and clothes are often used for the puja as these colors are associated with Goddess Kalaratri. Some devotees also decorate the altar with red flowers, symbolizing the Goddess’s fierce energy.
• The puja (worship) is performed with great devotion and attention to detail. Devotees place an image or idol of Kalaratri on the altar, along with a Kalash (sacred pot) symbolizing her presence. The puja begins with the recitation of mantras, such as the Kalaratri Stotra, which praises the Goddess and seeks her protection.
• Offerings to the Goddess typically include jaggery, sweets, and red or black flowers. The aarti (a ritual involving lighted lamps) is performed with the accompaniment of conch blowing and bell ringing, creating a powerful and reverent atmosphere.
• Specific mantras are chanted during the puja, including the Kalaratri Mantra: “Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah,” which is recited to invoke the Goddess’s blessings for protection, courage, and the removal of fear.

2. Fasting and Dietary Observances:

• Many devotees observe a strict fast on this day, consuming only specific foods that adhere to Navratri’s dietary restrictions. The fast is seen as a way to purify the body and mind, allowing devotees to focus more deeply on their spiritual practices.
• Typical foods consumed on this day include:
  • Singhare Ke Atte Ki Poori: A type of bread made from water chestnut flour, often served with aloo (potato) curry.
  • Sabudana Khichdi: A popular dish made from tapioca pearls, potatoes, and peanuts, flavored with cumin and green chilies.
  • Kheer: A sweet dish made from milk and rice, often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts.
• For those not fasting, a simple vegetarian meal that aligns with the sattvic (pure) nature of the festival is prepared. This meal excludes onions, garlic, and other foods considered tamasic (impure or heavy) in nature.

3. Special Puja for Protection and Strength:

• On this day, special prayers and rituals are performed to seek the protection and strength of Goddess Kalaratri. Devotees believe that worshiping her can dispel darkness and remove obstacles from their lives.
• One of the key rituals involves lighting a ghee lamp, which symbolizes the removal of ignorance and the light of knowledge. Devotees offer this lamp to the Goddess while chanting prayers for courage and protection.
• The puja may also include the use of mustard seeds, which are offered to the Goddess as a symbol of destroying negative energies. The seeds are then thrown into a fire or scattered around the house to purify the space.

4. Evening Aarti and Bhajans:

• The evening aarti is a significant part of the day’s rituals. It involves the offering of light (aarti) to the Goddess while singing devotional hymns and songs. The atmosphere during this time is charged with devotion as devotees come together to express their reverence for Kalaratri.
• Following the aarti, bhajans (devotional songs) dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri are sung, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the dholak and harmonium. These songs are intended to invoke the Goddess’s presence and to fill the space with her divine energy.
• In many communities, this day also sees the performance of Garba and Dandiya, traditional dances that are both celebratory and devotional in nature. These dances, performed in groups, symbolize the victory of good over evil and the joy of divine protection.

5. Havan and Yagna:

• A havan (fire ritual) is often performed on the seventh day of Navratri. This ritual involves offering ghee, herbs, and grains into the sacred fire while chanting mantras to invoke Goddess Kalaratri’s blessings.
• The havan is believed to purify the environment and the mind, creating a protective shield around the devotees and their families. It is also a way to express gratitude to the Goddess for her protection and guidance.

6. Community Activities and Charitable Acts:

• Day 7 of Navratri is also a day for performing charitable acts. Many devotees engage in activities such as distributing food, clothes, and other necessities to the poor and needy. These acts of charity are seen as a way to earn the blessings of the Goddess and to purify one’s own karma.
• In some regions, community feasts are organized, where devotees come together to share a meal prepared in honor of the Goddess. This communal sharing reinforces the values of unity, compassion, and generosity.

The Spiritual Essence of Day 7

Navratri Day 7, dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, is a day of profound spiritual significance. The rituals and prayers on this day focus on invoking the fierce energy of the Goddess to dispel darkness, destroy evil, and protect the devotee from harm.

1. Courage and Protection:

• Goddess Kalaratri embodies the qualities of courage and protection. Worshiping her on this day helps devotees overcome their fears and face life’s challenges with strength and confidence. The rituals and prayers are designed to invoke her protective energy, creating a sense of security and peace.

1. Purification and Spiritual Cleansing:

• The seventh day of Navratri is also about purification, both physical and spiritual. Fasting, meditation, and the havan are all practices that help to cleanse the mind and body, making way for spiritual growth and enlightenment.

2. Victory of Good Over Evil:

• The worship of Kalaratri is a reminder of the eternal battle between good and evil, light and darkness. The rituals and celebrations on this day symbolize the triumph of good over evil, reinforcing the importance of righteousness and moral integrity.

3. Community and Unity:

• The communal aspects of the day, such as group aartis, bhajans, and charitable activities, foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among devotees. These activities not only enhance the spiritual experience but also strengthen the bonds within the community.

Conclusion

Navratri Day 7, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kalaratri, is a day of intense devotion and spiritual power. The rituals, prayers, and food offerings on this day reflect the deep reverence that devotees have for this fierce and protective form of the Goddess. Through fasting, special pujas, and community activities, devotees seek to invoke Kalaratri’s blessings for protection, courage, and the removal of negative energies.

As Navratri progresses towards its final days, the energy and devotion of the devotees continue to build, culminating in a powerful spiritual experience. Day 7 serves as a crucial step in this journey, offering an opportunity for purification, reflection, and the strengthening of one’s connection with the divine.