Kali Maa Pooja During Navratri – Story, Rituals & Rare Facts

While Navratri is popularly associated with the nine gentle and powerful forms of Goddess Durga, it also invokes her fiercest avatar — Goddess Kali. In certain traditions, especially in Eastern India, Kali Maa is worshipped during the latter part of Navratri, symbolizing the destruction of evil, ego, and ignorance.

Kali represents the raw, untamed, and primal energy of Shakti — a goddess who is beyond time and form. This article explores the origin of Kali, her iconography, the significance of her stepping on Lord Shiva, and how to properly perform Kali Maa Pooja during Navratri.

Origin of Goddess Kali

Born from Durga's Brow in Battle

According to the Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeya Purana, Goddess Kali emerged from the forehead of Goddess Durga during the battle against Shumbha and Nishumbha, two asura brothers who wreaked havoc in all three realms.

When Raktabija, a demon who could replicate himself with every drop of his blood, entered the battlefield, Durga created Kali to devour his duplicates and stop the endless multiplication.

Kali's ferocious form, dark complexion, unkempt hair, blood-red tongue, and garland of skulls are symbolic of the destruction of ego, illusions, and negativity.

How to Do Kali Maa Pooja During Navratri

Best Days to Worship Kali During Navratri

• Ashtami (8th day) or Navami (9th day) of Sharad Navratri.

• In Bengal, Kali worship peaks during Diwali (also called Kali Puja).

Items Required (Samagri)

• Black or red cloth

• Kali idol or photo

• Hibiscus flowers (Kali’s favorite)

• Coconut, bananas, pomegranate

• Black sesame seeds, jaggery, and rice

• Incense, diya (lamp), ghee, camphor

• Red sindoor (vermilion)

Step-by-Step Pooja Vidhi

1. Clean the space and place a red or black cloth on the altar.

2. Install the image or idol of Maa Kali.

3. Light a ghee diya and incense sticks.

4. Offer hibiscus flowers and fresh fruits.

5. Chant the mantra:
   ॐ क्रीं कालिकायै नमः (Om Krim Kalikayai Namah) – 108 times

6. Recite Kali Chalisa or Kali Sahasranama if possible.

7. Offer bhog (jaggery, coconut, black sesame).

8. Conclude with aarti and meditation on her form.

Optional Tantric Rituals

Advanced practitioners follow Kali sadhana involving bija mantras and visualization techniques. These are usually practiced during Gupt Navratri or midnight under guidance.

Symbolism in Kali’s Iconography

• Dark complexion: Beyond Maya (illusion)

• Garland of skulls: Destruction of ego and rebirth

• Sword: Knowledge that destroys ignorance

• Lolling tongue: Symbol of shame and spontaneity

• Four hands: Creation, destruction, fearlessness, and blessings

Rare and Unknown Facts About Kali Maa

1. Kali is Worshipped in Secret (Gupt Navratri)

In tantric traditions, Kali is invoked during Gupt Navratri for spiritual elevation and siddhis.

2. Her Form Was Revealed to Ramakrishna Paramhansa

The 19th-century saint had divine visions of Kali and spoke of her as a living consciousness, not a mere idol.

3. The Name 'Kali' Means 'She Who is Time'

Kali is derived from ‘Kala’ (time) — she is beyond creation and dissolution.

4. Kali is a Mother First, Fierce Later

Despite her terrifying appearance, Kali is deeply maternal, and her devotees consider her a protector and guide.

5. Some Offer Red Hibiscus and Animal Sacrifices

In traditional Shakta temples, hibiscus flowers and symbolic animal offerings are made. Modern devotees substitute them with vegetarian bhog.

Famous Kali Temples to Visit During Navratri

1. Kalighat Temple, Kolkata

One of the 51 Shakti Peethas where Sati’s toe fell.

2. Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata

Associated with Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

3. Kamakhya Temple, Assam

Major tantric center where Kali is worshipped as Kamakhya.

4. Harsiddhi Mata Temple, Ujjain

A fierce form of Durga-Kali, worshipped with oil lamps.

Conclusion

Kali Maa is not just the fierce destroyer of evil, but also a loving mother, a symbol of time, truth, and transformation. Her worship during Navratri represents courage, inner strength, and spiritual awakening. Through devotion to Kali, one learns to conquer fear, ego, and ignorance, making space for clarity and divine grace.

May Kali Maa bless you with protection, fearlessness, and wisdom. 🖤🙏