Mother Goddess as Kali - The Feminine Force in Indian Art
Article of the Month - August 2000

Batik Painting of Goddess DurgaThe worship of a mother goddess as the source of life and fertility has prehistoric roots, but the transformation of that deity into a Great goddess of cosmic powers was achieved with the composition of the Devi Mahatmya (Glory of the goddess), a text of the fifth to sixth century, when worship of the female principle took on dramatic new dimensions. The goddess is not only the mysterious source of life, she is the very soil, all-creating and all consuming.

Kali makes her 'official' debut in the Devi-Mahatmya, where she is said to have emanated from the brow of Goddess Durga (slayer of demons) during one of the battles between the divine and anti-divine forces. Etymologically Durga's name means "Beyond Reach". She is thus an echo of the woman warrior's fierce virginal autonomy. In this context Kali is considered the 'forceful' form of the great goddess Durga.

Goddess Kali standing on Lord ShivaKali is represented as a Black woman with four arms; in one hand she has a sword, in another the head of the demon she has slain, with the other two she is encouraging her worshippers. For earrings she has two dead bodies and wears a necklace of skulls ; her only clothing is a girdle made of dead men's hands, and her tongue protrudes from her mouth. Her eyes are red, and her face and breasts are besmeared with blood. She stands with one foot on the thigh, and another on the breast of her husband.

Kali's fierce appearances have been the subject of extensive descriptions in several earlier and modern works. Though her fierce form is filled with awe- inspiring symbols, their real meaning is not what it first appears- they have equivocal significance:

Batik Painting of Goddess Kali

 

 

 

Kali's blackness symbolizes her all-embracing, comprehensive nature, because black is the color in which all other colors merge; black absorbs and dissolves them. 'Just as all colors disappear in black, so all names and forms disappear in her' (Mahanirvana Tantra). Or black is said to represent the total absence of color, again signifying the nature of Kali as ultimate reality. This in Sanskrit is named as nirguna (beyond all quality and form). Either way, Kali's black color symbolizes her transcendence of all form.

 

 

 

A devotee poet says:

"Is Kali, my Divine Mother, of a black complexion?
She appears black because She is viewed from a distance;
but when intimately known She is no longer so.
The sky appears blue at a distance, but look at it close by
and you will find that it has no colour.
The water of the ocean looks blue at a distance,
but when you go near and take it in your hand,
you find that it is colourless."

... Ramakrishna Paramhansa (1836-86)

Kali's nudity has a similar meaning. In many instances she is described as garbed in space or sky clad. In her absolute, primordial nakedness she is free from all covering of illusion. She is Nature (Prakriti in Sanskrit), stripped of 'clothes'. It symbolizes that she is completely beyond name and form, completely beyond the illusory effects of maya (false consciousness). Her nudity is said to represent totally illumined consciousness, unaffected by maya. Kali is the bright fire of truth, which cannot be hidden by the clothes of ignorance. Such truth simply burns them away.

She is full-breasted; her motherhood is a ceaseless creation. Her disheveled hair forms a curtain of illusion, the fabric of space - time which organizes matter out of the chaotic sea of quantum-foam. Her garland of fifty human heads, each representing one of the fifty letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, symbolizes the repository of knowledge and wisdom. She wears a girdle of severed human hands- hands that are the principal instruments of work and so signify the action of karma. Thus the binding effects of this karma have been overcome, severed, as it were, by devotion to Kali. She has blessed the devotee by cutting him free from the cycle of karma. Her white teeth are symbolic of purity (Sans. Sattva), and her lolling tongue which is red dramatically depicts the fact that she consumes all things and denotes the act of tasting or enjoying what society regards as forbidden, i.e. her indiscriminate enjoyment of all the world's "flavors".

Kali's four arms represent the complete circle of creation and destruction, which is contained within her. She represents the inherent creative and destructive rhythms of the cosmos. Her right hands, making the mudras of "fear not" and conferring boons, represent the creative aspect of Kali, while the left hands, holding a bloodied sword and a severed head represent her destructive aspect. The bloodied sword and severed head symbolize the destruction of ignorance and the dawning of knowledge. The sword is the sword of knowledge, that cuts the knots of ignorance and destroys false consciousness (the severed head). Kali opens the gates of freedom with this sword, having cut the eight bonds that bind human beings. Finally her three eyes represent the sun, moon, and fire, with which she is able to observe the three modes of time: past, present and future. This attribute is also the origin of the name Kali, which is the feminine form of 'Kala', the Sanskrit term for Time.

Another symbolic but controversial aspect of Kali is her proximity to the cremation ground:

O Kali, Thou art fond of cremation grounds;
so I have turned my heart into one
That thou, a resident of cremation grounds,
may dance there unceasingly.
O Mother! I have no other fond desire in my heart;
fire of a funeral pyre is burning there;
O Mother! I have preserved the ashes of dead bodies all around
that Thou may come.
O Mother! Keeping Shiva, conqueror of Death, under Thy feet,
Come, dancing to the tune of music;
Prasada waits With his eyes closed

... Ramprasad (1718-75)

Kali as ShaktiKali's dwelling place, the cremation ground denotes a place where the five elements (Sanskrit: pancha mahabhuta) are dissolved. Kali dwells where dissolution takes place. In terms of devotion and worship, this denotes the dissolving of attachments, anger, lust, and other binding emotions, feelings, and ideas. The heart of the devotee is where this burning takes place, and it is in the heart that Kali dwells. The devotee makes her image in his heart and under her influence burns away all limitations and ignorance in the cremation fires. This inner cremation fire in the heart is the fire of knowledge, (Sanskrit: gyanagni), which Kali bestows.

The image of a recumbent Shiva lying under the feet of Kali represents Shiva as the passive potential of creation and Kali as his Shakti. The generic term Shakti denotes the Universal feminine creative principle and the energizing force behind all male divinity including Shiva. Shakti is known by the general name Devi, from the root 'div', meaning to shine. She is the Shining One, who is given different names in different places and in different appearances, as the symbol of the life-giving powers of the Universe. It is she that powers him. This Shakti is expressed as the i in Shiva's name. Without this i, Shiva becomes Shva, which in Sanskrit means a corpse. Thus suggesting that without his Shakti, Shiva is powerless or inert.

Kali is a particularly appropriate image for conveying the idea of the world as the play of the gods. The spontaneous, effortless, dizzying creativity of the divine reflex is conveyed in her wild appearance. Insofar as kali is identified with the phenomenal world, she presents a picture of that world that underlies its ephemeral and unpredictable nature. In her mad dancing, disheveled hair, and eerie howl there is made present the hint of a world reeling, careening out of control. The world is created and destroyed in Kali's wild dancing, and the truth of redemption lies in man's awareness that he is invited to take part in that dance, to yield to the frenzied beat of the Mother's dance of life and death.

Dance of Kali and ShivaO Kali, my Mother full of Bliss! Enchantress of the almighty Shiva!
In Thy delirious joy Thou dancest, clapping Thy hands together!
Thou art the Mover of all that move, and we are but Thy helpless toys

...Ramakrishna Paramhans

Kali and her attendants dance to rhythms pounded out by Shiva (Lord of destruction) and his animal-headed attendants who dwell in the Himalayas. Associated with chaos and uncontrollable destruction, Kali's own retinue brandishes swords and holds aloft skull cups from which they drink the blood that intoxicates them. Kali, like Shiva, has a third eye, but in all other respects the two are distinguished from one another. In contrast to Shiva's sweet expression, plump body, and ash white complexion, dark kali's emaciated limbs, angular gestures, and fierce grimace convey a wild intensity. Her loose hair, skull garland, and tiger wrap whip around her body as she stomps and claps to the rhythm of the dance.

Many stories describe Kali's dance with Shiva as one that "threatens to destroy the world" by its savage power. Art historian Stella Kramrisch has noted that the image of kali dancing with Shiva follows closely the myth of the demon Daruka. When Shiva asks his wife Parvati to destroy this demon, she enters Shiva's body and transforms herself from the poison that is stored in his throat. She emerges from Shiva as Kali, ferocious in appearance, and with the help of her flesh eating retinue attacks and defeats the demon. Kali however became so intoxicated by the blood lust of battle that her aroused fury and wild hunger threatened to destroy the whole world. She continued her ferocious rampage until Shiva manifested himself as an infant and lay crying in the midst of the corpse-strewn field. Kali, deceived by Shiva's power of illusion, became calm as she suckled the baby. When evening approached, Shiva performed the dance of creation (tandava) to please the goddess. Delighted with the dance, Kali and her attendants joined in.

This terrific and poignant imagery starkly reveals the nature of Kali as the Divine Mother. Ramaprasad expresses his feelings thus:

Behold my Mother playing with Shiva,
lost in an ecstasy of joy!
Drunk with a draught of celestial wine,
She reels, and yet does not fall.
Erect She stands on Shiva's bosom,
and the earth Trembles under Her tread;
She and Her Lord are mad with frenzy,
casting Aside all fear and shame.

... Ramprasad (1718-75)

Kali's human and maternal qualities continue to define the goddess for most of her devotees to this day. In human relationships, the love between mother and child is usually considered the purest and strongest. In the same way, the love between the Mother Goddess and her human children is considered the closest and tenderest relationship with divinity. Accordingly, Kali's devotees form a particularly intimate and loving bond with her. But the devotee never forgets Kali's demonic, frightening aspects. He does not distort Kali's nature and the truths she reveals; he does not refuse to meditate on her terrifying features. He mentions these repeatedly in his songs but is never put off or repelled by them. Kali may be frightening, the mad, forgetful mistress of a world spinning out of control, but she is, after all, the Mother of all. As such, she must be accepted by her children- accepted in wonder and awe, perhaps, but accepted nevertheless. The poet in an intimate and lighter tone addresses the Mother thus:

O Kali! Why dost Thou roam about nude?
Art Thou not ashamed, Mother!
Garb and ornaments Thou hast none;
yet Thou Pridest in being King's daughter.
O Mother! Is it a virtue of Thy family that Thou
Placest thy feet on Thy husband?
Thou art nude; Thy husband is nude; you both roam cremation grounds.
O Mother! We are all ashamed of you; do put on thy garb.
Thou hast cast away Thy necklace of jewels, Mother,
And worn a garland of human heads.
Prasada says, "Mother! Thy fierce beauty has frightened
Thy nude consort.

... Ramaprasad

The soul that worships becomes always a little child: the soul that becomes a child finds God oftenest as mother. In a meditation before the Blessed Sacrament, some pen has written the exquisite assurance: "My child, you need not know much in order to please Me. Only Love Me dearly. Speak to me, as you would talk to your mother, if she had taken you in her arms."

Kali's boon is won when man confronts or accepts her and the realities she dramatically conveys to him. The image of Kali, in a variety of ways, teaches man that pain, sorrow, decay, death, and destruction are not to be overcome or conquered by denying them or explaining them away. Pain and sorrow are woven into the texture of man's life so thoroughly that to deny them is ultimately futile. For man to realize the fullness of his being, for man to exploit his potential as a human being, he must finally accept this dimension of existence. Kali's boon is freedom, the freedom of the child to revel in the moment, and it is won only after confrontation or acceptance of death. To ignore death, to pretend that one is physically immortal, to pretend that one's ego is the center of things, is to provoke Kali's mocking laughter. To confront or accept death, on the contrary, is to realize a mode of being that can delight and revel in the play of the gods. To accept one's mortality is to be able to let go, to be able to sing, dance, and shout. Kali is Mother to her devotees not because she protects them from the way things really are but because she reveals to them their mortality and thus releases them to act fully and freely, releases them from the incredible, binding web of "adult" pretense, practicality, and rationality.

We hope you have enjoyed reading the article. Any comments or feedback that you may have will be greatly appreciated. Please send your feedback to feedback@exoticindia.com.


This article by Nitin Kumar


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ARTICLE REVIEWS

theres no such thing as a Wiccan Goddess just God/ddess that are used by Wiccans. wiccans dont have a pantheon. Hinduism doesnt condemn others to hell either and Kali is a Hindu Goddess, the most awe-inspiring one at that.
- enri10

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The appearance of Jesus has always described as pertaining to do His father's will. His father can only be described as the creative energy of the light and the destructive as well.KALI is the RAW ENERGY THAT PRODUCES THIS LIGHT.This makes her the OWNER of the creation and the supreme mother.Jesus described himself as the light of the world.I am a spiritual baptist
- Pattson Browne

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As you are not a true Christian, as anyone from the Roman Catholic church or its offsprings are in the USA, and unless you are from the first Christian church where idol worship and placing Jesus as God is blasphemy, all of this Jesus is my savior rhetoric is demonic to say the least.

Original Christianity uncontaminated by the reminiscent of Rome's holidays and multi-gods and godesses with their associated statues was more akin to Buddism than any other religion or way-of-life.

The idea of original sin as well as the divinity of Christ were man's decision made in an Ecumenical council centuries after Christ's death. So much for the Trinity, and hiding its true meaning from the uneducated masses for fear it would topple the fact that true Christianity needs no formal church or organization similar to our cousins, the Moslems.

I fear the Buddists and Hindi may be more attuned to the real Godhead than we could ever suppose or practice. One look at America today with the election of Obama and the discounting of religion in our modern society as well as the allowance for social and sexual deviancy proves that we are not true believers of any God except our own narcissism and love of material things.

Original sin like the Inquisition were meant to keep the masses in line...if man was born in sin was it man's failure or God's imperfect creation?

To worship Jesus is discounting a higher power and the one true God, and his many manifestations. Like a diamond with many facets, each blinded by their own brilliance, being an arrogant Christian is an affront to God's word and the Christian way-of-life.

To each his own, and as God appeared and appears different to different men and their belief systems, tolerating their models of God and morality should be respected.

Society's thousands of years older than the fledgling America have something to teach us all in this hemisphere. Watching Obama give a speech displays what has gone wrong with us all - ego, pride, education without out discipline or purpose, and our need for alms when we need to work and not beg.

Jesus is not to big to contemplate, nor was this his purpose...man made Jesus something he never professed or wanted to be - a God.
- Josef

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help me please i have 30 yrs no one want me to get married i want to open my 3 rd eyes please
- salini palaniandy

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I had a vision during meditation this morning as I was doing my morning prayer and I saw Daniel, John, Kali and then Later Moses. Then I saw a mother with multiple arms and then she was attending to humanity as if they were her children. I feel she is with me in mind, soul and body and has made reparations for my weaknesses when others tried to destroy me. I feel that I am back on track. The fact that others tried to destroy me and these biblical figures as well as a Hindu goddess came to me is extraordinary. I hope this isn't offensive to anyone but I believe that all forms of God exist and work together from one form or Source for the good.
- Gloria

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The reading of this article was truly an intoxicating experience. I would like to thank you for the wonderful researched information that you have made available to individuals that are willing to seek the truth about our religion & tradition.
- Kesiree Mari

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God is patience, God is love, God is in you n me and when silence conquer us , we are within God. God is everywhere. So why the doubt? Let us all be happy.
- Tulasi

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Brilliant website and explanation about our beloved Mother Kali.
Thank you
- jezzwhizz

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hey my name is spelled Kali too!!!! how do you say your name? i spell mine like Kali but i say it like kay-lee!
- kali

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This is the first place I came to, the first place my name appears on the net. It is good to return after all this time and pay tribute to the Mother Goddess. There is so much to learn here, differences of opinion only enrich the lesson. Kali has the most wonderful and powerful voice I have ever heard. All we can do is wonder at her in awe once we have encountered her directly in some way...
- Jozen-Bo

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I feel that this article was well writtenI have learn so much about mother kali from this article. I think that a lot of people mis understand her. She really does bring peace to her devotees and removes fear. I have learn so much from this article about the mother from this and will continue to pray to her
- kamini

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Jeez; most of you guys are idiots. The symbolism of Kali (Hecate or any of the great Mother-goddesses - ?Mary?)has been around for so long. It is NOT horrible. There was a group called Thuggees in India who robbed and killed and maimed, and worshiped Kali, but they exist now in few numbers. The British saw to that. She is simply a representation of a belief system. I'm 63 and have enjoyed a "relationship" with Kali and Hecate for many years. You guys take it way to seriously; expecially the Xtians. What else is Mary but a Mother Goddess Nutty people.
- wolfmom

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SE VCS Ñ SE CONVERTEREM SERÃO CONDENADOS. JESUS CRISTO É O UNICO CAMINHO PARA SE CHEGAR À DEUS QUALQUE OUTRO CAMINHO E O CAMINHO DA PERDIÇÃO FOI JESUS QUE MORREU NA CRUZ POR MIM E POR VC É O MELHOR ELE RESCUSITOU AO 3º DIA E SUBIA AS CÉUS É ESTA ASSENTADO A DIREITA DO PAI E VAI JULGAR TODAS ÁS NAÇÕES. SATANASQUEM DESVIA QUEM PUDER DO CAMINHO CERTO,
- JESUS CRISTO BREVE VEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Exodo.20:4-6.."Não farás para ti imagem de escultura,nem alguma semelhança do que há em cima nós céus ,nem em baixo na terra ,nem nas águas
- mesinho

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Jai KALI-MA! Praises to the great Mother!
we must learn to respond to each other from a place of pure and eternal love instead of fear. we love we, not me, there is no separation in this creation. love is the solution so set your love free.
thank you for a very informative and well written article. accept the divine feminine back into the world to restore the balance and perhaps humanity won't destroy itself. LOVE LOVE LOVE. ALL IS LOVE! JAI KALI!
- miriam

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Overlooks the fact that Y'shua (Jesus) Himself said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me."

(The same "I AM" used by God in Exodus, as well as the episode of His walking on water; "Fear not, *I AM*.")
- kh123

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i had incredible and enlightening experience last night in which kali played a major role in what feels like a new spiritual discovery..kali touched my spirit deeply almost to the point of causing overwhelming outburst of tears to manifest..i felt her essence so much that it actually manifested in me physically as i had beautiful hallucinations, tingling sensations everywhere and a spirtual warmth i have only felt once before at random. kali is very real and extremely powerful when approached properly..especially with an offering, respect, and praise and i think that anyone who has left comments rejecting her, hinduism, or any other belief system at matter should reallly embrace the insight that kali embraces about ALLEVIATING ignorance..have an open mind and show respect because you are only limiting yourself from your own spiritual growth and enlightenment...respect to all
- sage richards

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From what I've seen and felt through meditation and the like...Kali is really just another name and form of Lilith. Both are Dark Mothers and the energy working with them is so similiar.
- Aiko

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Kalidas, Namaste back my friend, the divine within me salutes the divine within you. Since I last posted my comment I have taken my studies of hinduism further, but Im still a devotee of the divine mother, I just cant help it. Bliss.:-)
- AlannahBabalon156

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I was enlightened by this article and saddened by the melee that follows by the people on here. Each of us have a different connection to the one who created all. each religion or belief system has a very common basic message and it is that we are all a part of the same center and we need to love and respect all life and have a closer relationship spiritually since we are all of the same spirit...GOD but religions have caused us to separate and condemn those who do not follow the same belief. None of us will know what lies after death until we get there but until then we need to live less viciously and learn to love more freely without the separations. Kali has come to me 2 times now in meditation and in dream so I have no doubt she exists because before the visit I knew nothing of her. peace, love and Namaste to all who read this.
- Cmpshn81 (nvazwildrose@aol.com)

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I thought the article well-written, generally. I am reading, now, about Divine Mother in Hindu texts...In Praise of the Goddess is the book. I remember Paramahansa Yogananda's writing that he felt especially close to The Mother (and he called her "Kali") when he spoke of his childhood in Autobiography of a Yogi. I was struck by it at the time b/c, as a Wiccan, I have heard one must be careful about calling on the energy ass'ctd w/ a deity.
- Tiana

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It's been many years since I first read and reviewed this article. I come back to check it occasionally and have really enjoyed watching the evolution of the discussion regarding the Mother.

When I first found it, the rhetoric was full of hate and accusations from unbelievers and those confused about the nature of the Mother. It was full of venomous hatespeech and a general demonization of the Mother by those who do not understand her forcefulness and fury.

I left a comment at the time regarding the Mother's happiness and joy that she was being demonized, because even in your vehemenence, the name of the Mother was still being uttered and becoming known to those who need Her influence in their lives.

Now, reading through the comments, I can see a wonderful transformation in the general attitude and rhetoric towards her, and I can see in a physical and real way the effect that she has on the world in destroying Maya and infusing new consciousnesses with her might, power and force.

She strips away the illusions of her followers and shows them the true happiness which is far removed from the Western ideasw of capitalism and ego-stroking that have come to represent how our American culture prefers to prey on the weak and discourages honest communication by this crazy need to dominate each and every interaction in which we participate.

So, again, I am very glad to see the evolution of education about the Mother in this forum. It makes me very happy and I am glad to know that more people will come to know her power, glory and peace. For even as She destroys illusion, She will also bring every blessing to her devotees, even as a compassionate Mother sees to the needs of Her children.

Love and laughter, at the feet of the Mother.

~~~~
- Kitty, High Priestess in devotion and service to Maa Kali (thatdangkitty@yahoo.com)

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Jonathan, it dont bother me but, fact, your God is a truly hatefull guy, have you read the old Testemant? the new Testemant aint much better, belief in what you will is fine, but please, at least try to use a brain, if that is difficult for you use somebody else's.
with love to you hon, last night was fun by the way.xxx
Om Kali
- Kalidas

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Namaste Alannah, respect and love to you. To mention to others, research the word 'Hinduism' It dont mean what you all seem to think it means, the 'religon' simply aint called H'ism. Love is all.
Om Kali Maa
Om Shanti Alannah.
- Kalidas

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Anna, do some research babe. Just because Hinduism is one of the predominant religions of the world, it doesn't mean they condemn others to Hell. This is particularly the case since they are historically considered the most open-minded religion, AND... they don't really believe in Hell or any sort of eternal punishment.

Also, just because you're Wiccan, that doesn't make you all-knowing, and capable of ordering around vast amounts of people -- let alone stereotype them by their religion. If you don't want to be labeled as a "witch" for being Wiccan, don't accuse other people of being annoying for practicing their faith in the way they best like to.
- Chandra

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You can't just state thet. Someone will disagree with you (probably me)
- andy

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The Goddess Kali is also a Wiccan Goddess.

To al the Christians, Muslims, Hindus and everyone else out there. STOP CONDEMNING EACH OTHER TO HELL OR ITS ALTERNATIVE. Its getting annoying to see all these biblical quotes and proverbs and stuff.


- Anna

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religion is not meant to seperate the world or cause chaos but rather the opposite. the intention of the gods were to bring the message to the people of which they successfully achieved, but humanity being as selfish as it is chose to use this message to satisfy their own desires. a true believer is sure to believe in all aspects rather than question his existance and manifestations.if u cant embrace religion how do you embrace god? was it not god that created religion? how can you walk into the temple of god and question his work?
- daniel

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hey my name is kali (spelled that way) and i find it a verry pretty name o_o
- kali

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hay if you like to read about this stuf, i sugest you read Immortals: The Calling" its awsome.
Kali is the mother of the immotal featured in this book. And you know, i think Kali is the most awsm Goddess EVER!! What better than fire and disstruction.(spelling?)
- tic

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Jai Digamba Mata
Jai Shri Yeshu
Jai Shrimati Mariam
Jai Shankara Deva
Jai Shri Lakshmi Mata
Jai Shri Saraswati Mata
Jai Shri Parvati Mata Devi
Jai Shri Gautama
Jai Shri Avalokita
Jai Shri Arya Tara
Jai Sita-Ram

Victory be unto all forms of God! :)
- God is formless

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Heidi
Well tell me firstly what religion are u,cause there is one thing that religion teaches u and that is respect for all others and i guess that u are not a true devotee to ur religion cause are disrespectful,rude,arraogant and really bored with ur life.If you do not have any nice comments then i guess that u keep them to urself and stop discriminating cause u are one stupid fool.
- Thava

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All these fright tactics in addressing the Goddess Kali-Ma (Mother Kali) are basically a result of misunderstanding the deeper meaning of the power of the Goddess. Kali-Ma is powerful, probably the most powerful of all the Eastern deities because she is the Destroyer of Time. She was brought forth originally to destroy powerful demons, and her power overcame them. She is the goddess of Death and REBIRTH
- Aarwin Orelli

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I am a follower and pursuer of Jesus Christ. I find parallells in many religeons also. Most interestingly Jesus is a lover of His Bride. This love cannot be broken by anyone. He pursues her relentlessly. He is the one who is the true lover - constantly in love with her, whether or not she loves Him back. I saw this Lord, My Lord, Jesus Christ in the movie Sawaryia. That has led me to look at other cultures and religions. In looking at them I couldn't make sense of all the differences. I am struck with the 'western jesus' I am given in today's society. I can't explain it. I can't make sense of it. But I'm reminded and relieved that don't have to. He is too big for my human mind to comprehend. I want to know Him as He is, not as my mind conceives. I know there are other gods and other religions. I know one thing for sure and I'll never be moved from it. It is not doctrine or theology or a belief system. Jesus Christ brought none of these. He brought His Father's life and access to Him for us.

What I know is this - Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords. That means there must be many others. He is Lord of them all. . . and this God lives inside of me. I reside next to Him on His throne even now, outside of space and time. I am His bride. I am the one whom He came for.

This is what our western bible really says. As humanity is, unfortunately, we've added a bunch of stuff to it.

But for those seeking life, the truth is still out there.

In Him, where only life presides
Ann Eshana
- Ann (jndcook@comcast.net)

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i found it to intesting since i want to be anthropologist.
- faith

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I don't believe in Original Sin.
So none of your arguments impress me.
But you believe what you want to, and let the Hindus believe what they want to, and the Muslims ditto.
But don't any of you try to stuff your beliefs down my throat - or any one else's for that matter.
In my opinion all religon is nonsense; and organised religion is often very dangerous.
- Albert (arfadollar@ukf.net)

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need deevotees whom are bhagt of maa kali,need mantras
- sanjay

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this is rubbish talk...warning not to call kali goddess.yes,this is true that spirits are companions of kali goddess.But,these spirits are companions,not enemies of kali,no power on earth can do harm to you,if goddess kali does not will so.Mother is always a mother,a loving and caring mother,kali is known to get a break through if you are under some evil spell.This is totally misleading story of surviving car accident just because you chanted name of mother!MOTHER IS MOTHER,AND MY KALI MA IS ALSO LOVING MOTHER,SHE CAN DO NO HARM TO THOSE WHO LOVE HER AND RECITE HER NAME,AMEN
- PUNEET

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Firstly you have the right to believe in Christ and We have the right to believe in Khali Ma. Do not denounce my religion or anyones as I have not denounce yours or anyone else's. A fool is a person who believe's that there is no other religion other than his. Chrst is not the only God. Although I believe he is the son of god. He died for our Sin's and yes I do not say he did not. But dont you think he has parents. One more thing they dont have to be Christians as Christianity is a religion formed by the followers of Christ not Christ or his parents.
- Duran Naidu

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Thank you Nitin.

I am astounded by the dogma in the comments.
- Gorthaur

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There is a name that is more powerful than any, there is a deity that is more all-pervading, loving and powerful than ANY other.

His name is Jesus Christ. I want to begin by telling you a true story. One day I was walking in a wood and I saw a man urinating in the grass. I came over and told him to stop doing this dreadful act. He pulled out a knife a stabbed me in the breast. As I lay there bleeding profusely and praying for the Lord to save me, he pulled my knickers off and ran away with them. I never saw that pair of knickers ever again.

I thought I was going to DIE, I thought that I was done for and my life was over. Then, I called upon the Lord Jesus to spare my life and make me a new person. A bright, white light shone around me and in the distance I could make out the figure of Christ with his arms outstretched welcoming me into his holy family. I felt warm, safe and secure, bathed in Jesus' baptismal and abundant light of goodness. Purity and love. BLISS.

An old woman ran over to see if I was OK. She called for help and some paramedics arrived. She got in the ambulance van with me and nestled my aching head in her lap and whispered prayers over my nearly lifeless body. I was saved that day. Jesus spared my life for a reason.

TO PREACH HIS HOLY GOSPEL AND CONVERT OTHERS TO THE TRUE RELIGION OF CHRIST.

Dear Jesus,
I ask that you show the people of this world that you are the way, the truth and the life and no-one comes to the Father except by YOU. I ask you to bless your children and give them the gift of the holy spirit in their lives, let them turn away from demonolatry, sorcery, violence and murder and be born again as disciples of Christ Jesus.

O Lord God, stretch out thy hand and punish those who slander your name and will not keep your holy covenant, for your word is law and your bible is a fabulous, inspiring read actually (The Good News Bible: Waterstones, £10.99) and I hope and pray that many sinners and demonolaters will be saved by it's message of truth and divine love,
In Jesus' name, AMEN.

You see, God will forgive you, if you truly repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. This is the truth, I swear it! Come now, Let us pray to the Lord together for peace, strength and justice and let us worship his holy name in love, truth and eternal obedience.................................

O Lord, your kindness to me shall be repaid, I shall convert many sinners to your religion and promise that my loins shall never know the sinful erect member of man as I am a Bride of Christ and dedicate my body only to him. My chasteness and virginal purity is the symbol of my dedication to the Lord, I gladly offer it to the King of Kings as my devoted sacrifice. Hallelujah!
- Princess Sybilla of Jerusalem

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kali is a powerful name, and also abeautiful name. Just as a powerful person has to be carefull how they use their power,a beautiful person must understand beauty can be so much more powerful than strenth.A loud shout wont stop a storm; but beauty might.
- les (lespopely@hotmail.co.uk)

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That was very beautifully said.
- Juanafe

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I agree with Stefanie. Beleif is a beautiful thing and should not be used to hurt or offend anyone else. Everyone would be much happier if we could accept one another's beleifs.

I really did enjoy the article, I find Kali a very intresting figure, and I wanted to find more out about her. This was quite informational. I loved the bit about the symbols.

But I think if the concept of Hinduisim (or any other relegion) offends you, perhaps your time would be better spent not reading up on it. It might be better for your peace of mind.
- Nix

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ok i've read the article and all of the posts now and the only thing i hav to say is that u guys are really hilarious. (not the article the posts) god is god and will accepts us for whatever or however we believe.
- stefanie

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hi. umm i read this article on mother kali and i found it very interesting and really inspiring. Then i read all of the comments (well most of the comments, there were alot of them) and it kinda mad me mad and sad at what some of the people here hav posted. i understand that a person can totally and completely believe in their religion, and want others to believe as well. But that gives you no right to dismiss what others believe as wrong and tell them that if they dont believe in jesus ( or watever other religion ) that the will be going to hell or won't be saved. whoever or whatever god is do u think that he/she/they would condemn someone simply for worshipping him in a different way. that wouldn't be a very god like thing to do would it....
p.s. the article was awesome im interested in finding out more about hinduism and other religions and gods.
- Stefanie

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I think it was nice, and well organized.

Its astounding how people can turn remarking on an article into a religious feud. All relegion is truth for those who beleive in it. Telling people that they're worshipping devils and they'll burn is very unkind. And telling people who have found something to beleive in that they are being manupulated is equally so. If you cannot keep your religious attacks to yourself, scream into a pillow. Pray. Light a candle. Whatever calms you down.

So if we can stop flinging religious insults, and giving sly hints about other people being on the wrong path. Acceptance is better. Tch, and some can be very rude. I thought Jesus was all about acceptance. I think he must have been a great man. But so was Budda. So were many people. The world has male and female aspects. This is simple balance. Look at this balance how you want, but don't force anyone else. They have their own eyes.

Get over it. Move on. Nice article.
- Nix

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Oh the powerful mother-goddess Kali, Queen of darkness, death and gore.
She is a powerful figure and one must be cautious when invoking her name.
It was not so long ago when a young lady posted a terrifying story about her and her college friends dabbling with something she called a Hymn to Kali. Her and her friends were involved in a shocking car accident in which several were injured quite badly.

Kali is mistress of death and destruction, do not call upon this dark aspect of Devi unless absolutely necessary. To speak her name out loud summons devastating forces of the underworld, dark and violent spirits are her companions.

Devi/Shakti is a benevolent goddess also, so try a gentler form such as Parvati. Try another goddess altogether like the beautiful Lakshmi or wise Saraswati. Avoid Kali unless you know what you are doing, if you need a darker and more aggressive form of the goddess to blast people and problems from your path, then try the goddess Durga, she is almighty and awesome to behold. Her power is limitless and her anger terrible.

The power of Kali to cause chaos in the world and in the lives of others is well-documented. Avoid invoking this avenging goddess, or you will get BURNED by the experience. I warn you.
- Princess Caitana of Mumbai

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dear jesus,
please protect me from your followers.

ps. joy is an idiot.
pps. but it is amusing to think of joy searching the web for satan and posting blogs.
ppps.can't we all just embrace the nameless divine?
- poop

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pranams to the lotus feet of the divine mother Kali
pranams to the lotus feet of Lord Jesus
pranams to the lotus feet of Lord Buddha
pranams to the One withouth a second
the Source of all
- bal (shyam76@hotmail.com)

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