Inspiring Lessons from Navratri : Day 7 :: Goddess Kalratri By Anupama Vaidya

 

With courage and valor, fighting the demons around us, Day 7 of Navratri brings one of the fiercest manifestation of Goddess Durga in the form of Goddess Kalratri, destroyer of ignorance and darkness. 

According to legend, Maa Kalratri was manifested to slay the demon Rakhtbeej who was granted a boon every drop of his blood which fell on the ground could create another embodiment of him. The Goddess Kaalratri killed him by licking the blood before it could reach the ground and hence conquered him.

Goddess Kalratri is portrayed as a fierce and powerful deity in Hindu mythology. She is often is depicted with a very dark complexion and has long, untied hair. Her appearance is striking, as she is drenched in blood and adorns a garland of skulls around her neck.  She possesses 4 hands, each holding a symbolic weapon or gesture. Goddess Kalratri's dark complexion and fierce appearance also symbolize the transformative power of the divine. She teaches us that even in the darkest and most challenging times, there is the potential for growth, change, and the emergence of a brighter future.

In her two left hand arms, she holds sharp thorn-like weapon called Vajrayudha – lightning bolt symbolising indestructible and diamond like strength and a Khadga, a sharp dagger like scimitar representing the ability to cut the negative forces. While in her right hands are in the abhaya (protecting) and varada (blessing) positions. She encourages us to seek her guidance and protection while bestowing blessings as we fight ignorance and darkness.

Goddess Kalratri's third eye emanates rays like lightning, symbolizing her all-seeing and powerful nature. Flames appear through her nostrils when she breathes, further emphasizing her formidable energy and fierce demeanor.

Her divine mount is the donkey, which is seen as a symbol of unwavering service and hard work among animals. It serves as a reminder to remain dedicated and diligent in our service and commitments.

Goddess Kalratri's fierce depiction reminds us of the importance of courage and fearlessness in facing challenges and adversities. Just as she fearlessly confronts negativity and evil forces, we can draw inspiration from her to approach life's obstacles with bravery, destroy negative forces and demonstrate an unwavering dedication to serve

The demons of pride, arrogance, desire, guilt, greed, ego, negativity and many more exist within us. These multiply and cause havoc if not recognised and destroyed well before time. These are the Rakhtbeej within each one of us and we need to conquer them well within before they go out of hand!  Through every drop licked by Goddess kalratri, we learn to swallow every such emotion that are damaging to our sheer existence.   Goddess Kalratri teaches us to be resolute in removing negativity and hindrances from our path.

Sometimes it can be difficult to let go of the past demons that we might have slain before – yet we need to be strong and stride through the darkness fearlessly attempting to destroy these demons that hold us back from the path of change and progress.

After slaying the demon, the Goddess became mad with blood lust, began dancing so violently that the world was on the verge of collapsing.  At the behest of the Gods, Lord Shiva lay down in her path and she accidentally stepped on him. Upon realising what she had done, her tongue came out in embarrassment and she calmed down. This protruding tongue depicts to us to keep in control our emotions when fighting the fierce battles of ignorance and darkness. How from being passionate to our objective, we can cross the thin line to be obsessed with the motive that we can forget sight of what we had set out for. The protruding tongue will be a constant reminder for us to stop at the appropriate time! The key lies in directing this energy in a controlled manner to prevent it from going out of control and causing havoc.

In worshiping Goddess Kalratri, we learn to embody courage, confront negativity, seek protection and blessings, and understand the power of transformation even in the face of adversity. 

On this special day of Navratri Saptami, may you find inner peace and strength to overcome all challenges. Have a joyful and spiritually fulfilling celebration!