Origin of Kaalaratri Mahadevi

Kaalratri Mahadevi is the seventh form of Navadurga. Kaalaratri is one of the fearsome forms of Goddess among Navdurga. It is not uncommon for the names Kali and Kaalaratri to be used interchangeably, although some argue that the two deities are separate entities. Kali is first mentioned as a specific goddess in Hinduism in the Mahabharata around 300 BCE, which is believed to have been written between the 5th and 2nd century BC.

Kaalaratri and Navdurga

Kalratri is traditionally worshiped during the nine nights of Navratri festival. Especially the seventh day of Navratri puja is dedicated to She, and she is considered to be the fiercest form of the goddess, her very form inspires fear. It is believed that this form of the Goddess is the destroyer of all demons, ghosts, evil spirits and negative energies who are said to run away upon knowing of her arrival.

Who is Kaalaratri?

“Saudhikagama”, an ancient Tantric Book from Orissa referenced in Silpa Prakash, describes the goddess Kaalaratri as the goddess ruling the night portion of each calendar day. Kaalaratri is also known as “Shubhankari”, which in Sanskrit means auspicious and doing good, due to the belief that she always provides positive results to her devotees. Therefore, it is believed that she makes her devotees fearless. Term “Kaalaratri” is literally meaning, night time Goddess that goes on to remove evil effects and kill the devils with her horrifying look that is signifying fearsome and masculinity look called “Raudra Roop” facet female apart from common motherly nature.

Why Kaalaratri Rides a Donkey not a Lion or Tiger?

Goddess Kaalaratri rides a donkey because of two reasons.

Donkey signifies ignorance and by controlling that, the Goddess shows the way to control the ignorance and thus gain knowledge. Besides that, donkey runs very fast.
When Kaalaratri needed to chase the demons “Chanda” and “Munda”, she is supposed to have got on a donkey and then chased those two demons at the time of war.

The Form of Kaalaratri

The Goddess Kaalaratri complexion is dark black and very fearsome appearance. She rides on a donkey. She depicted with four hands. Her right hands are in Abhaya or Varada Mudra and carries a sword in her right hand and the deadly iron hook in her left hands. Goddess Kaalratri Puja Vidhi and Significance.

Mahadevi Kaalaratri and Sahasrara Chakra

Goddess Kaalratri is also associated with the Sahasrara Chakra, which is said to bestow the worshiper with siddhis, supernatural skills and wealth. Kaalratri Devi is related to Sahasrara Chakra. The Sahasrara Chakra, also called the Crown Chakra, is the seventh and final major chakra of the body, according to ancient yogic and spiritual traditions. It is situated on the top of the head. This energy center controls our connection to soul and our sense of universal consciousness, wisdom, unity and self-knowledge.