Kali, as the
name signifies is the dark-skinned mother goddess, revered and feared in equal
measures. However, her name also represents her control over Kala or time. Kali
or Mahakali is the wrathful form of Durga or Parvati who takes charge in the
battle against the demons.
Kali in iconography is shown as a ferocious woman, standing either on a dead body or lord Shiva. She holds a bowl made out of a skull, a trident, a long sickle called Khadaga, and the severed head of her enemy in her four arms. Opposite to the beautiful and adorned form of Parvati or Lakshmi, goddess Kali barely wears any cloth. Her body is covered with a garland of demon heads and in place of a griddle, she wears the arms of the enemy sewn together to form a skirt-like appearance. In this fierce yet artistically striking brass statue, the craftsman has masterfully colored goddess Kali’s tongue, her Khadaga, and the garland in red, as a reminder of the blood, an element closely associated with the imagery of Mahakali. Standing royally on the battlefield, the goddess’s face appears as calm as a sea, telling her worshippers not to fear. Even in her most violent form, the goddess does not forget her role as a mother and a protector.
Embracing the Divine Feminine: Understanding Kali and Her
Significance
Goddess Kali is one of the most powerful and revered deities in
Hinduism and is worshiped by many people across the globe
especially in the eastern part of India. She is considered to be
a ferocious form of Goddess Durga and is regarded as the
ultimate manifestation of Shakti. Goddess Kali also manifests as
the material nature and is regarded as the mother of all living
entities in the material world. Just like a caring mother, she
protects the living entities who follow the principles of Dharma
from demonic persons who always go against the laws of the
Supreme Lord.
Having a dark complexion, open hair, and bearing multiple arms
holding different weapons, Goddess Kali is often depicted
standing on the chest of Lord Shiva, her consort, as she
displays her rage toward the demon Raktabij. This pastime is
mentioned in various Puranas of Vedic literature in which
Goddess Kali severed the head of the demon who was creating
havoc on earth. This shows the protective nature of the Goddess.
The Vedic scriptures also mention that Goddess Kali is an
obedient devotee of the Supreme Lord Krishna or Vishnu who tests
living entities on their determination and devotion toward the
Lord.
What does Kali symbolize?
Goddess Kali is the manifestation of material nature. She is
like a benevolent mother who protects her children from any kind
of mishaps and misfortune. Mother Kali considers all living
entities her own children and takes care of them. She reforms
the forgetful souls who have turned their faces against the
Supreme Lord Krishna. Thus, she symbolizes mercy, compassion,
and kindness. Although she has a ferocious form, she is actually
carrying out the order of the Supreme Lord by utilizing her
power against those who blaspheme the Lord and do not abide by
His laws.
What is Kali worshiped for?
We can find thousands and lakhs of devotees of Goddess Kali all
over the world. She is especially venerated in the festival of
Kali Puja in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, and
Odisha. Being a merciful Goddess, she fulfills the desires of
her devotees. Some people worship Goddess Kali for some material
gains and profits and receive her blessings. However, those who
serve her selflessly and approach her to know about the Absolute
Truth and the real aim of human life, receive the highest
benediction of Goddess Kali. Being a devotee of the Supreme Lord
Krishna, she bestows her blessings upon them and guides them to
the path of devotion toward the Lord.
Where to place Kali statue at home?
Keeping the deity of Goddess Kali at home is very auspicious. If
you worship her regularly with faith and devotion, she will
become pleased and will shower her blessings upon you. Knowing
that she is worthy of our respectful obeisance is important and
therefore, you should not keep or handle her deity with a casual
attitude. You must keep the deity on your home altar.
