The Rise of Ma Ambika and Ma Kalaratri

Om Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini 

Durga Kshama Shiva Dhatri Svaha Svadha Namostute

                                                -Argala Stotram, Devi Mahatmya

We humbly bow before you, Divine Mother. You who have conquered all (Jayanti), the embodiment of all auspicious (Mangala), the remover of darkness (Kali), the one beyond time (Bhadra Kali), the one bearing skulls of impure thought (Kapalini), the one who removes difficulties, the ever-forgiving (Durga Kshama), and supporter of the Universe (Svaha). May you accept the offerings of the devotee (Svadha).

The story of Navadurgas moves forward after Ma Katyayani destroys Mahishasura and his evil forces. Peace was restored in the three realms. For several yugas and kalpas, harmony prevailed until demons began to rise again under the leadership of Shumbh and Nishumbh. 

Both brothers set out to gain power and control. They built a strong army and launched an attack on Devaloka. Using their strength and force, they defeated the Devas and took over Devaloka.

To find a solution, Devraj Indra led the Devas to the sacred abode of the divine couple Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati.

Hearing the sincere pleas of the Devas, Ma Parvati, who was bathing then, chose to help and save the universe from the rule of Asuras. She created a powerful form called Ambika—a shining goddess armed with divine weapons and surrounded by heavenly beings. Born of Ma Parvati’s body (Kosha or sheath), she is also known as Kaushiki.

As the divine army led by Ma Ambika marched towards the battlefield, Shumbha and Nishumbha sent their most powerful generals, Chanda and Munda, to counter the threat. The demons believed that their generals were invincible and would effortlessly defeat anyone. They considered Ma Ambika to be a tender woman. 

Devi Ambika's divine power was unmatched. She called upon a terrifying form—Ma Kalaratri— (also known as Kali) to help her in the battle. Ma Kalaratri, a dark and powerful goddess, fought with great strength and ferocity. Together with Ma Ambika, she defeated Chanda and Munda, leaving the demon army shocked and earning her the name ‘Chamunda.’

Shumbha and Nishumbha were not discouraged by the loss of their generals and used all their power against Devi Chamunda (Ma Kali). The clash between the demons and the goddess grew stronger.

Ma Kalaratri Ends Raktabeeja 

In a desperate bid to overcome Ma Kalaratri, who was in her ferocious Chandi form, Shumbha and Nishumbha now sent Raktabeeja. Raktabeeja possessed a unique power that allowed him to multiply himself from each drop of his blood that fell to the ground. He was indestructible. With every drop of his blood that fell on the ground, countless clones of him took birth.

Devi Kalaratri fought bravely against Raktabija. But every time he was hurt and his blood fell to the ground, several clones of him emerged. Devas, who were witnessing this fearful spectacle, did not know what to do. 

In a moment of divine inspiration, Devi Kalaratri extended her long tongue and consumed the drops of blood, preventing them from reaching the ground. She, thus, neutralised Raktabeeja's power by killing all his clones. 

The victory over Raktabeeja marked a turning point in the battle. The Asura realised that their resistance would not last for long.

However, Devi Kalaratri's ferocity and destructive nature led her to continue killing anyone who came in her way. Seeing her fierce destruction, the Devas sought Lord Shiva's help. To calm her down, Lord Shiva lay down under her feet. When Kalaratri saw she had stepped on her husband, she bit her tongue in shock and regret—an image often shown in her form. In this way, Lord Shiva placated the angry goddess.

Finally, Ma Ambika (also known as Devi Chandi) faced Shumbha and Nishumbha in a strong and intense battle and defeated them.

Other References from Scriptures

There is one more Katha in the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam regarding Ma Kalaratri. After Ma Ambika emerged from the body of Goddess Parvati (to help the Devas), Ma Parvati’s skin turned extremely dark (almost black, like the hue of dark clouds). Therefore, Ma Parvati is also known as ‘Kalika’ and ‘Kalaratri’. Similarly, a reference to Ma Kalaratri is found in the Mahabharata (Sauptika Parva, 10.8.64-65). She is seen on the battlefield where men are killing each other, and severed heads and limbs are scattered all around. 

“The warriors in the Pandava camp beheld the embodied form of Kalaratri- a black image of bloody mouth and bloody eyes, wearing crimson garlands and smeared with crimson unguents, attired in a single piece of red cloth, with a noose in hand, and resembling an elderly lady, employed in chanting a dismal note and standing full before their eyes, and about to lead away men and horses and elephants all tied in a stout cord.”

Ma Kalaratri is the goddess of the dark night. She personifies the acceptance of fears. Her worship gives us the strength to face our fears, accept them, and move towards light and liberation.

Nav Durga Sadhana

In the potent Nav Durga Sadhana, Devi Kalaratri is invoked on the seventh day. She represents transformation and triumph of divine light over darkness of ignorance.

The Sanskrit word ‘Durg’ means a ‘fort’. The who seeks Devi Ma is ever-protected by the strongest of forts —her grace and protection. She becomes the Sadhak’s Durg,  a fort that would never fail them.

Wish to start the Nav Durga Sadhana? Don’t worry. Sadhana App has you covered! To Start Nav Durga Sadhana, follow these steps:

• Download Sadhana App. (100% Free. No hidden subscription! No pesky Ads. All features unlocked & available.)
• Click on the lion icon on 26 June '25 to know all the details.
• Follow the day-wise instructions in the app.
• Begin your sadhana by doing the first Japa on 26 June’ 25 and the first yagna on 27 June ‘25.
• The mantra of the day will get updated everyday.
• For the next ten days (26 June-5 July) perform the Devi japa every evening and yagna in the morning.

All the rituals are completely guided. Grab the opportunity to seek the love and blessings of Mother Divine!

Sadhana Se Sambhav Hai!