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Kaalratri

Kaalratri, also spelled Kalratri or Kalaratri, is a fierce form of the Hindu goddess Durga and is regarded as the seventh form (saptam) of the Navadurga, the nine manifestations of Durga worshipped during Navaratri. In many traditions she is associated with Kali, the goddess who embodies time, change, and destruction.

Symbolism and role: Kaalratri personifies the night and the destruction of evil, ignorance, and fear. She is

Iconography: Iconographic depictions of Kaalratri vary by region and tradition. She is commonly described as dark-skinned

Worship and texts: Kaalratri is honored on the seventh day of Navaratri, during Durga Puja ceremonies and

See also: Navadurga, Kali, Durga, Shakti.

invoked
to
protect
devotees
from
dangers
and
to
overcome
inner
darkness.
Her
fierce
aspect
is
understood
as
the
transformative
power
of
Shakti
that
removes
obstacles
and
fear,
paving
the
way
for
spiritual
awakening
and
courage.
and
formidable,
with
a
wild
mane
of
hair
and
a
fierce
expression.
In
many
images
she
is
shown
with
multiple
arms
bearing
weapons
and
sometimes
standing
over
or
vanquishing
a
demon,
symbols
of
triumph
over
negativity
and
ignorance.
The
emphasis
is
on
the
fierce
clarity
and
protective
energy
she
embodies.
related
festivals.
References
to
the
form
appear
in
the
Durga
Saptashati
(Devi
Mahatmya)
and
broader
Shakta
traditions,
where
she
is
invoked
for
strength,
protection,
and
the
removal
of
obstacles.
The
name
derives
from
kaala
(“time”
or
“death”)
and
rātri
(“night”).