Spirituality

Maha Kali – The Cleanser, The Kriya Shakti

As Navratri begins, every Sadhak begins their journey to spiritual prowess, cleansing, attaining wealth and wisdom, and finally becoming one with the divine. In this journey, Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati play major roles. Let’s understand this with a basic example. Say you need to make a delicious meal, the first step is to cleanse the kitchen and get into action, that is Maha Kali. She cleanses you from inside out and propels you to begin. The next step is getting the ingredients needed. That is Maha Lakshmi. She blesses you with wealth to continue your journey. Finally, you begin the process of cooking for which you need to know how to cook. That is Maha Saraswati, She gives you the required knowledge for moving forward. 

In the first part of this three blog series, we discuss how Maha Kali cleanses us and how to perform her Sadhana during the first three days of Navratri. 

When a Sadhak begins Sadhana, they initially face many difficulties. Negative thoughts, emotions, feelings, actions, and circumstances begin appearing in their life more frequently than ever.

Due to this, many of us give up Sadhana before even properly starting it thinking these are the ill effects of Sadhana. And you are right, these are the effects of Sadhana because you need to be cleansed from inside out.

All these negative emotions, thoughts, actions, and words need to be cleaned out of your system and Maha Kali does that for you. The Kriya Shakti is the power of action. So, when you begin Sadhana, be mentally prepared for negativity to come out so you can get cleansed. Go through it as a witness and stay unaffected.

We understand it’s easier said than done, but with Maha Kali’s protection and blessings, you will be able to do it. 

Let’s now understand how you can perform her Sadhana – 

Her Bhog and Offerings – 

You can offer her red flowers, preferably roses, and sweets made of jaggery. 

Her Sadhana – 

Get up early in the morning preferably before sunrise and take a bath. Wear clean white or orange clothes. After you have performed Aarti and offered Bhog to Maa, you can have your food or fruits or water if you are fasting and begin Maha Kali’s Sadhana. Sit on your Sadhana Mat, preferably one you have been using for some time now if you are a regular Sadhak so that it is comfortable and familiar for you. If you are just beginning, pick up a comfortable mat that you can sit on for long hours. Begin with making a Sankalp* (resolution) to begin your journey and ask Maha Kali to help you, bless you, and protect you during the journey, showing you the right path and keeping you from straying. Light an earthen lamp filled with Ghee (clarified butter) and place it on your left and take a beaded necklace consisting of 108 beads in your right hand.

Sit in a comfortable position in Padmasana* if possible. If not, you can sit on a chair or couch, but ensure your spine is straight.

Below is the Mantra –

“Om Kreem Kalikaye Namah”

“ॐ क्रीं कालिकायै नमः”

You can do this for 11 Malas (11 rounds of the beaded necklace, one bead counting one Mantra). 

As you chant, pray to Maha Kali to remove all your negativity and make you move forward on the path of Sadhana. To propel you to take action and progress in your life, in spirituality, and the world. 

Once done, you can keep the Mala in your lap, and assume the Mayur Pankh Mudra, do it for three minutes and then open your eyes, thank Maa for all her blessings, thank your Ishta Deva*, Guru, and your parents. 

Now, get up from the mat, fold it, and keep it aside. Make sure you keep the mat at the same place every day and sit at the same place in the same room every day. 

Throughout the day, keep chanting the Mantra in your mind and breathe in deeply, and keep visualizing Maha Kali whenever you can.

Disclaimer – Kindly note that these are just suggested guidelines to perform the Sadhana. If you can’t adhere to them and still perform the Sadhana with pure intention and emotion, you will still get the desired result. If you can follow the guidelines it’s great but even if you can’t please don’t get disheartened and still perform the Sadhana at your convenience. Your emotions, love, and devotion that matters the most in the Sadhana more than the technicalities.

We hope this blog helped you understand the importance of Maha Kali and her Sadhana. In case of any queries feel free to write to us at info@chamundaswamiji.com