Day Seven Of Navratri - Blue For Kaalratri Devi
By A Draft Correspondent
As Navratri progresses towards its penultimate days, the significance of each day's colour becomes more profound. The seventh day of Navratri in 2024, also known as Saptami, is marked by the colour blue this year. This shade, often associated with vastness, depth, and calmness, holds great importance in both spiritual and cultural contexts during the festival.
The seventh form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri, is Goddess Kaalratri. Known as the fiercest and most powerful manifestation of the goddess, Kaalratri represents the force that annihilates all negativity, fear, and ignorance. Her name, meaning "the one who governs the night," refers to her ability to remove darkness and bring forth light. Despite her terrifying appearance—with her black complexion, unkempt hair, and fiery eyes—Kaalratri is believed to be benevolent to her devotees, offering protection and strength.
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| Kaalratri Devi |
The association of the colour blue with Goddess Kaalratri can be linked to the expansive nature of the sky and the ocean. Just as the sky appears endless and the ocean carries great depth, Kaalratri's power to destroy evil knows no bounds. Blue reflects her infinite strength and the calm after the storm, symbolising peace and protection after adversity has been overcome. In Hindu mythology, blue also represents the cosmic energy of gods like Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, linking the colour to divine authority and grace.
Goddess Kaalratri, the seventh form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri, also known as Saptami. Revered for her fierce and protective nature, Kaalratri is the destroyer of all evil forces, and her very presence is believed to dispel darkness and fear. Despite her terrifying form, Kaalratri is a benevolent goddess to her devotees, showering them with protection and strength.The story of Goddess Kaalratri is one of strength, destruction of evil, and the removal of ignorance. According to legend, during a fierce battle with the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha, Goddess Parvati assumed the form of Kaalratri to destroy their general, Raktabeej. Raktabeej had a unique boon that allowed him to replicate himself with every drop of his blood that fell on the ground. To end this menace, Goddess Kaalratri licked up his blood with her long tongue, preventing the formation of any more demons and ultimately slaying Raktabeej. This form of Durga, with her black complexion, fiery eyes, and wild hair, is known as Kaalratri—‘Kaal’ meaning time or death and ‘Ratri’ meaning night—representing the night of destruction that precedes new creation.Though her form is terrifying—dark complexion, unkempt hair, and a necklace of lightning—Goddess Kaalratri’s intention is to eliminate negativity, fear, and evil. She is a form of the Mother Goddess who destroys ignorance and darkness to lead her devotees towards the path of light and knowledge.The worship of Goddess Kaalratri on the seventh day of Navratri is an essential part of the nine-day festival. Devotees invoke her power to remove negativity from their lives, and her blessings are sought for protection, courage, and the destruction of all obstacles.Mantras dedicated to Goddess Kaalratri are chanted with great devotion. One of the most commonly recited mantras is:Ekveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita |Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini ||This mantra praises the goddess’s form and seeks her protection from all negative forces.
Blue accessories, such as bangles, earrings, and necklaces, are also trending, as people seek to complete their festive looks while staying true to the cultural symbolism. Modern interpretations of traditional designs, such as Indo-western outfits in shades of blue, have gained popularity, allowing the younger generation to express their style while honouring Navratri’s customs.
In addition to fashion, home decor has seen a surge in the use of blue during Navratri. Homes are being adorned with blue-themed decorations, from drapes and table settings to blue fairy lights and flowers. The colour is also being used in rangolis, with intricate designs being made in shades of blue to reflect both devotion and artistic expression.
In the wider world today, the colour blue has come to represent much more than its religious significance. It is a colour deeply associated with environmental consciousness, symbolising the oceans and the sky. As the world moves towards sustainability, blue has taken on a role in promoting ecological awareness and care for the planet. Brands and designers are incorporating eco-friendly fabrics in shades of blue to reflect a commitment to sustainability, resonating with the traditional significance of protection and balance that Goddess Kaalratri embodies.
Moreover, in modern psychology, blue is often linked to feelings of calmness and mental clarity. It is a colour that inspires trust, communication, and stability, making it highly relevant in today’s fast-paced and stressful world. By incorporating blue into Navratri, devotees are also embracing the idea of finding peace within chaos, much like the serenity that follows Kaalratri’s fierce battle with evil.
The colour blue holds profound significance on the seventh day of Navratri, representing the vast, protective energy of Goddess Kaalratri. As a symbol of power, peace, and spiritual calm, it invites devotees to conquer their fears and seek inner strength. Through rituals, prayers, and fasting, worshippers align themselves with the goddess’s fierce energy, seeking her blessings for protection and courage.
In the contemporary world, blue has found its place in both fashion and symbolism, reflecting the deep connection between tradition and modernity. As Navratri 2024 unfolds, the use of blue on Saptami not only honours the ancient legends but also resonates with the evolving trends and values of today’s world.
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