The seventh day of the holy festival of Navratri is dedicated to Mother Kalaratri who is the most terrifying and powerful form of Mother Durga. Kalaratri means that dark night which destroys darkness itself. Although this form of the mother looks extremely fierce she is also called Shubhankari because she always brings auspicious results for her devotees and protects them. An extremely effective account is found in the ancient legends which tells how the mother ended that demon who had become the lord of darkness. This story is a symbol of that victory of divine power where there is no place for ignorance and fear.
When the Darkness of Raktavira Scared the Gods
It is a matter of ancient times when a powerful demon named Raktavira had established his control over a vast part of the universe. On the strength of his intense penance he had obtained such illusory powers that he could control shadows and darkness. Proud of these powers he started attacking sages and divine beings. He covered entire regions with thick darkness making it impossible for people to live peacefully. The gods also tried to defeat him in battle but the power of that demon increased even more during the night. Finally being helpless the gods took shelter of the original power Adi Shakti.
The Fearsome Appearance of Mother Kalaratri
Hearing the pathetic call of the gods the Mother Goddess took an extremely powerful form known as Mother Kalaratri. Her color was black like the night sky and her hair was scattered. Flames of fire were coming out from the breath of the mother and her vehicle was a donkey. In her hands were powerful weapons like a sword and a curved hook which produced fear in the minds of enemies. Just by the presence of the mother the illusory darkness spread around that demon began to disappear. This radiant form of hers was a sign of the end of evil.
Battle in the Dense Darkness of Night
The demon Raktavira believed that the darkness of the night made him invincible. Relying on his strength he challenged the mother to fight in complete darkness. He thought that he would confuse the mother with his shadow powers. But he forgot that Mother Kalaratri herself is the night of time and she is most powerful in the darkness itself. As soon as the battle started the entire battlefield was filled with divine energy. The mother was moving very easily even in that thick darkness and was answering every blow of the demon.
The End of the Demon and the Return of Light
The demon created many illusory deceptions and wove webs of shadows but the mother destroyed every illusion just with her sight. Finally the goddess attacked the demon directly and destroyed all his powers with a burst of her infinite energy. The mother killed that sinner with which the black clouds surrounding the world ended forever. The rays of light spread all around again and the gods hailed the mother with joy. The mother proved that the light of truth can never be extinguished.
Why Mother Kalaratri is Worshiped
This story teaches us that Mother Kalaratri is the goddess who removes fear and negativity. Her form may be scary but she erases that darkness from the lives of her children which stops them from moving forward. On the day of Saptami devotees ask for the blessing of courage and victory over enemies from the mother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maa Kalaratri
Why is Mother Kalaratri called Shubhankari?
Her name is Shubhankari because she always does good for her devotees and never grants them inauspicious results.
What is the vehicle of the mother?
The vehicle of Mother Kalaratri is a donkey which shows the balance of her simplicity and power.
What was the greatest power of the demon Raktavira?
Raktavira had the illusory power to control shadows and darkness which made him invincible at night.
Which weapons are in the hands of Mother Kalaratri?
The mother has an iron hook in one hand and a sword in the other hand with which she destroys demons.
Is the form of the mother only fear inducing?
No the form of the mother is scary only for the wicked while for the devotees it is extremely affectionate and providing protection.
