Mahakali MahaVidya

Kali is the first of the Das Mahavidya and the fiercest aspect of Goddess Durga. Kali is considered as
the Goddess of time and change. She presides over the time before the creation of the universe. Kali is represented as the consort of Lord Shiva. Her abode is cremation grounds and her weapons are Kripana (Scimitar) and Trishul (Trident).

Kali Origin – As per Devi Mahatmya, Devi Kali was appeared out of Goddess Durga to defeat the demon Raktabija. Raktabija, which means blood-seed, was able to clone himself out of the dripped blood on the ground. When during battle, Raktabija became impossible to kill Goddess Kali appeared to swallow the blood of Raktabija before it dripped to the ground.

Kali Iconography – Kali is represented as standing in the battleground with one of her feet on the chest of supine Lord Shiva. Her tongue hangs out of her mouth in astonishment for putting her leg on the chest of Lord Shiva. Her complexion is dark and her facial expressions are ferocious. She is depicted with four hands.

In one of the upper hands she holds bloody Kripana and in the other upper hand she holds severed head of a demon. In one of the lower hands she holds a bowel in which she collects blood which drips from demon’s severed head in upper hand. The second lower hand is shown in Varad Mudra. She is depicted nude and wears a garland which is made of human skulls or severed heads. In lower body she wears girdle made of severed human arms.

In some representations, one of the upper hands of Kali is shown in Varada Mudra and one of the lower hands holds a Trishul.

Kali Sadhana – Kali Sadhana is done to conquer over enemies. Kali Sadhana helps to defeat and make enemies powerless. Kali Sadhana is also performed to destroy diseases, to get rid of wicked spirits, wicked planets, fear of sudden death and to gain poetic skills.