Seventh Avatar of Goddess Durga, Seventh day of Navratri, Seventh Manifestation of Goddess Durga, Seventh Form of Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Kalaratri on the eight day of Navratri. Kalaratri is the most fiercest form of Goddess Durga. The appearnce of Kalaratri would evoke fear. As Kalaratri Goddess Durga is most violent. Kalaratri is believed to destroy all the demons and evils.
Kalaratri means death of time or death of Kaal. This would mean that Goddess Kalratri would help us to destroy the darkness of ignorance and would help us to brighten our life with knowledge.
Appearance of Kalaratri
Goddess Kalaratri appears dark Black in complexion with four hands. She rides on a donkey. One of her left hands would hold a Cleaver and the other left hand a torch. The remaining two hand on the right are Abhaya hasta to protect the devotees and boon giving to bless the devotees who worship her. She has three eyes. Flames appear as she breathes in and out. She wears a necklace that emits light like that of a thunder. The hair of Goddess Kalaratri is left open.
Legend of Kalaratri
Once there was a demon by the name of Raktabeeja. He performed great penance for Lord Brahma and got a boon. The boon is that, whenever a drop of his blood falls on the ground 100 Rakthabeeja should emerge. By having this boon he wanted to become immortal and he used to hurt himself so 100 more Rakthabeeja would emerge whenever needed.
Kalaratri had a fierece fight with Rakthabeeja and finally killed him by draining all the blood in his body. Kalaratri did not let a single drop of blood to fall on the ground and killed him.
Other Names of Goddess Kalaratri
Kalaratri is also known as Shubhankari, as she only provide Shubham or Good fortune to all the devotees who worship her.
Benefits of Worshipping Goddess Kalratri
By worshipping Kalratri a devotee would be free from all the fears in this world. He would be blessed by Goddess Kalratri and would live happily for the rest of his life. Yogis or Sadhaks would reach the Shastra Chakra as a part of meditation and this would open up all the Siddhis for the sadhak.
Tantriks consider worshipping of Kalratri auspicious and would worship her in the midnight.
