Sohini and Rishi explain Kali, a deity representing divine feminine power, as the eternal cycle of creation and destruction, life and death, exclusively for Different Truths.
Kali is all about the energy current inside of you—wild, empowered, and all-loving. This energy is deeply involved in the life/death/lifecycle to keep the process of evolution and transformation… towards light. Kali is the ultimate manifestation of Shakti and the mother of all living beings. She destroys evil to protect the innocent. She is the divine and brutal protector… who bestows Moksha (liberation) in all possible forms.
From Darkness to Light is the spirit of Kali: the mantra of purity through devastation to restore order… so light prevails.
The vagrant red of dripping blood, of the hibiscus, of the flagrant tongue that rages ravaging darkness that brings upon light and love. That’s my Kali, the ultimate. the last word in Shaktism—raw, unyielding feminism at its best.
Defying Patriarchal Norms
She never succumbed to the patriarchal norms, like some of her tamer counterparts, who are featured with their family in tow even on a mission of disembodying evil. That validation of patriarchy, the family tag that lends so-called respect and dignity to a woman even on the battlefield beyond her victories, but not Kali, who needs no validation to be herself—heedless, untamed.
Misunderstood in the West due to the ‘India exotica’ phenomenon and lack of knowledge. She has been portrayed often in a demonic manner as a cult Halloween avatar by shallow, offensive, and ignorant actors.
Four arms and hands make up Ma Kali, representing various aspects of both creation and destruction. The two right hands are frequently extended in benediction, one in the “fear not” (abhayamudra) mudra and the other bestowing blessings. A decapitated head and a sword covered in blood are in her left hand. The chopped head serves as a metaphor for how the sword breaks the bonds of ignorance and ego. Her red tongue represents how the white, “Sattvic” quality of her teeth has subdued her Rajasic nature. Her blackness stands for the fact that she is transcendent and nirguna, above all natural attributes.
Kali’s Earrings
Kali’s twin earrings are little embryos. This is so that Kali, who resides captive within us, might nurture our infantile attributes, the power in its lack of inhibitions, and the purity of a kid. The full moon’s brightness and ambrosia are said to perpetually emanate from Kali’s forehead.
She is frequently depicted wearing a garland made up of several hundred chopped heads. This can represent the Sanskrit alphabet’s letters and, consequently, the primordial sound of Aum, from which all creation springs. Her skirt is made from severed arms, which stand for the karma she has absorbed from her devotees.
The universal, unchanging part of reality or pure awareness that is symbolised by Lord Shiva is known as Purusha. Prakriti, often known as nature, matter, or stuff, is what Kali represents. These two aspects come together to form the ultimate reality.
Shiva Depends on Shakti
Shiva is viewed under the tantric interpretation as consciousness, and Kali is viewed as power or energy. Shiva depends on Shakti, or energy, to play his part in creation, preservation, and destruction; hence, consciousness and energy are mutually dependent.
In Bengal, Dakshinakali is a kind mother who shields her followers and offspring from accidents and tragedies. Her name derives from the legend of Yama, the lord of death who resides in the “Dakshina” region of the south. Yama fled in panic when he heard the name Kali, which is why those who worship Kali are thought to be able to defeat death itself.
While images of Kali with her left foot on Shiva’s chest show the even more terrifying Vamakali, who is often portrayed with her left foot on Shiva’s breast, Dakshinakali is typically portrayed with her right foot on Shiva’s chest. The majority of those who worship Vamakali are not homeowners.
Calming Kali
The posture depicts the end of an event in which Kali was out of control after killing numerous demons. Shiva was left with only one option for appeasing Kali since he was worried that she wouldn’t stop until the entire planet was destroyed. For her to step on him, he collapsed to the ground on the battleground. Kali slowed down after noticing her consort beneath her foot and realising she had gone too far. According to some versions of the narrative, Shiva was putting her foot on his chest to win Kali’s favour.
Smashana Kali, Samhara Kali, and Vama Kali are all representations of destructive power. The most lethal and potent variation of Kali is known as Samhara Kali. The main deity in Tantric writings is Samhara Kali. According to legend, Kali assumes the appearance of Samhara Kali if she walks out with her left foot and holds a sword in her right hand.
As Samhara Kali, she grants both death and freedom. The Mahakala Samhita describes Samhara Kali as having two arms and having a dark complexion. She holds a newly severed head and a plate to catch the flowing blood as she stands on a body. She is revered by warriors and Tantrics.
Raksha Kali (a kind of Kali venerated for protection against diseases and drought), Bhadra Kali, and Guhya Kali are further versions of Kali that are widely worshipped in Bengal. According to several sources, Kali has eight, 12, and 21 different forms. Adya Kali, Chintamani Kali, Sparshamani Kali, Santati Kali, Siddhi Kali, Dakshina Kali, Bhadra Kali, Shmashana Kali, Adharvana Bhadra Kali, Kamakala Kali, Guhya Kali, and Hamsa Kali are some of the most well-known types.
Feminine Energy
My Kali is all about unbridled feminine energy, the ultimate free spirit. beyond boundaries, timeless, and indomitable. My Kali is the girl child, uninhibited, fearless, and without care. That’s her sheer power and purity, swinging in her childlike glee; the entire cosmos in her power, light in her being, dancing forever beyond boundaries in timelessness.
May we all ignite the power of Kali within us. Now and forever.
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With co-author Rishi Dasgupta
Rishi Dasgupta, a Masters in Economics from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, is a millennial, multilingual, global citizen, currently pursuing a career in the UK. An accomplished guitarist and gamer, his myriad pursuits extend to the study of the ancient philosophies and mythologies of India. ‘Adi Shiva: The Philosophy of Cosmic Unity’ is Rishi’s second book as co-author.
Picture design by Anumita Roy
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