The Triumph of Kali

Kali the Mother of all, stands in a triumphant gesture over the recumbent body of her husband Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. It is a moment of victory for the Mother Goddess. Victory over the evil forces which were threatening to destroy the world. For this fearful yet benevolent mother, the well-being of her children-devotees is the primary concern. If in the pursuit of this goal she has to subdue even her own husband, it is of no consequence.

Her left upper hand holds the head of one such demon threatening the civilized world order. The corresponding right hand holds the weapon used to accomplish this task, a sickle. Her long necklace too is composed of heads, while the hands of her victims make up her skirt.

In the lower left hand she holds a cranial-cup, with which she collects and drinks the blood of her victims. The lower right hand, contrary to the all encompassing violence around, still manages to make the varada mudra or the gesture of granting boons.

In contrast to the body held in a taut posture, the breasts of the Mother Goddess swell with passion. It is the selfless passion she feels for her children. Her protruding tongue mocks at the efforts of those trying to make life difficult for her devotees. The flaming, serpentine coils of her long, swirling hair encircles her form, forming an awesome halo.