What are some amazing lesser-known facts about the Hindu goddess Kali?

 

Shri Kali Ji -- The Ultimate Form Of Brahman, "Devourer of Time".

• Beej Mantra of Shri Kali Ji is Kreem(क्रीं). Om(ॐ) is the primordial sound of Universe. The Beej Mantra Kreem is the seed of Creation. It contains the unmanifested Creation. Universe materialises from Kreem and gets dissolved into Kreem. Since Matter is Energy in vibrations so the vibrations produced from Kreem can cause Universe to Manifest from Void and also has the capacity to Dematerialize back into the seed.
• Shri Kali Ji's black complexion symbolises dissolution of creation within Her and from this Darkness everything is born. The pitch black colour is darkest than the dark of the Death Night representing the Brahman in supreme unmanifest state. It also represents Her being Nirguna, beyond all Dualities and Transcendent.
• Shri Kali Ji is shown only wearing garland of Skulls and Skirt of Arms but without any clothing as clothes cannot cover Her infinite form. She appears without any worldly clothing as She represents Prakriti or Mother Nature. When we are born we are born naked. Clothing is essential because we are of impure mind. Clothing is a worldly possession and Kali being Nirguna is beyond the covering of Maya. Like Digambars who renounce every worldly possession including clothing.
• Shri Kali Ji's dishevelled hair compliments her rage in battlefield. In Her rage Shri Kali Ji can't be controlled but can only be pacified through surrender.
• Shri Kali Ji is standing on Shiv Ji's chest and worshipped in this form because She is Shiv Ji's Shakti i.e. Mahakaal's feminine aspect Mahakali or Shakti. Shakti is always supreme as without Shakti, Shiv Ji is Shava or Dead. Even we are like dead without Energy or Shakti. If Bhagavān Shiv Ji is flame then Shri Kali Ji is heat of the flame.
• Kali Ji's tongue is protruding out because it's like an "awww" expression or embarrassment that She in Her rage stepped on Her physical aspect that is Purusha or Shiv Ji. This symbolizes a woman's," lajja". It also signifies that the White Teeth symbolising Sattvic Nature conquers the Red Tongue symbolising the Rajasic Nature.
• Both Bhagavān Shiv and Shri Kali Ji concept is like Consciousness and Matter. Where Shiv Ji is Pure Consciousness which is responsible for making living beings conscious about themselves and Shri Kali Ji is like Matter which is responsible for Materialization of whole Creation. We cannot segregate the two i.e. Shiva and Shakti otherwise the whole Creation will come to an end. Just like Prakriti(active but Non Self) and Purusha(inactive but Pure Consciousness) coming together for Creation. Similar analogy can be given of Brahman and it's Maya which are inseparable as Maya is Shakti of Brahman but also responsible for Ignorance(Avidya) which gives a sense of Duality in all conscious Beings as they can't segregate themselves from Pancha Koshas(5 Sheaths) and realise themselves as Knower of the 5 Sheaths and distinct from it.
• Shri Kali Ji is Mahamaya so it is necessary to propitiate Her as without Her wish one cannot look beyond the veil of Maya and realize one's true Self(Ātman).
• Bhagavān Shiv Ji and Shri Kali Ji doesn't represent Materialism but are beyond it. That's why their abode is Shmashana. They are giver of Moksha which is final aim of every Jivatma. Together they take you towards end of Karmic Cycle and not bind you with it through the worldly norms or attachments. So the form in which they are represented physically cannot be justified through any worldly point of view. Interpretation of the forms of the Formless Brahman requires deep spiritual bent like Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
• Can anyone who resides in Shmashana be considered acceptable in normal society?The answer is NO. So Bhagavān Shiv Ji and Shri Kali Ji should be understood outside the periphery of worldly norms because within it everything is perishable but Mahakaal and Mahakali are beyond this impermanent world or body.
• Shri Kali Ji is first Mahāvidyā, if one gets Siddhi in Shri Kali Mahāvidyā Sādhanā then due to Her grace one can get Siddhi in the rest 9 Mahāvidyās with much less efforts. Mahāvidyā Sādhanā Siddhi also grants success in other sādhanā like Apsara Sādhanā as the Tapobal of the sādhaka is increased due to Mahāvidyā Sādhanā and Apsaras are easily attracted towards an advanced sādhaka with high Spiritual Vibrations.
• In reality, Shri Kali Ji is very benevolent. Though She is not Black at all but Her ferocious form(Ugra) is for the Adharmis. Through sādhanā one can experience Her if the sādhaka has pure Heart like a child. She is very innocent and caring. One can have Her Visions as She is easily pleased through Bhakti and Devotion.
• Sometimes She plays with you like a child. For e.g. If you are sleeping, She will suddenly appear and will wake you with Her beautiful Divine Vision and then go away instantly. Then the sādhaka will feel like a fish which has been taken out of pond and will long for Her Darshan. But if asked for Her Darshan once She is pleased then She starts visiting regularly. The example cited by me is from my own experience.

What is the difference between Kali and Dakhina Kal?

 Kaala is time personified. Kaali is the shakti of Kaala, i.e. Kaali is the

animator of Time. It is She who causes the time to flow (or even to stop).

The concept of time and its flow are behind the entire delusion of duality. As

per Vedanta, there is nothing called past or future, here or there, I or you.

There is Brahman at all places and all times. The objectification of Brahman

into various objects is possible due to the play of Kaala and Kaali and the

creation of a concept of " time". One absorbed in non-dual Brahman without any

concept of time or objectification is immortal. Time, the great devourer,

catches up with anyone stuck in duality, sooner or later.

BTW, Kaala and Kaali are inseparable. Without the " flow of time", there is no

" time " itself. Similarly, without time, there cannot be a flow of time. Thus,

time and its flow exist together and cannot exist without each other.

* * *

Dakshina not only means the south, but it also means right. Tantra texts talk of

Dakshina Kaali and Vaama Kaali. Dakshina Kaali is propitiated using

dakshinaachaaraa (right-handed practice), while Vaama Kaali is propitiated using

vaamaachaara (left-handed practice). The former is worshipped in temples, while

the latter is worshipped in shmashaana (cemeteries). The latter is also known as

Shmashaana Kaali. Symbolically these two versions are depicted with the right foot

and left foot forward, respectively.

The right side is associated with Pingala nadi, Surya (Sun) and devatas (gods). It

is also linked to the left brain and structured thinking. The left side is

associated with Ida nadi, Chandra (Moon) and pitris (manes). It is also linked

to the right brain and emotional and intuitive thinking.

Dakshinaachaara attempts to reach the supreme using a structured approach. One

does not try to destroy layers of deep conditioning of the mind in one shot and

takes an orderly and structured approach. It is appropriate for temples (places

of public spiritual practice) and for the general public too. Vaamaachaara

(left-handed path), on the other hand, attempts to nuke the layers of deep

conditioning of the mind by throwing the mind into dark alleys that force the

mind to realize the non-distinction between light and darkness. Of course, there

is a chance one will fall and settle down in the darkness.

The tools and imagery used by dakshinaachaara followers worshipping Dakshina

Kaali and those used by vaamaachaara followers worshipping Shmashaana Kaali may

be different, but they are searching for the same primordial energy that results

in the flow of time.

Thus, Dakshina Kaali and Shmashaana Kaali are not really different and merely

represent different paths to obtain the same realization. Different forms of

Kaali represents different paths to arrive at the same realization.

* * *

Bhadra means auspicious. While one aspect of Time is that Time devours all and

brings the end of every object in the field of duality, the flow of Time does

more. The flow of time brings the fruits of various karmas, brings maturity and

transformation in various objects of the field of duality and brings them closer

to liberation. When one ponders the primordial energy that results in the flow

of time, from these angles, this path is represented by Bhadra Kaali. She is

also worshipped in temples like Dakshina Kaali.

* * *

Mahaa Kaali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati are three parts of the very

initial root primordial energy that is referred to as the golden-hued " Mahaa

Lakshmi " in Saptashati rahasya. This very initial root primordial energy Mahaa

Lakshmi divides Herself into 3 parts - Mahaa Kaali, Mahaa Lakshmi and Mahaa

Saraswati, 3 distinct aspects of primordial energy. These 3 energies create

3 couples - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and their consorts. We may see this very

initial root primordial energy " Mahaa Lakshmi " as the expression of the supreme

cosmic being, as the energy that makes the supreme cosmic being be, want, think

and know.

Chandi represents fierce energy that makes one battle and overcomes various

weaknesses and conditioning of the mind and reach this very initial root

primordial energy.

The Important Symbolic Postures of Kali in Hindu Mythology: A Detailed Analysis

 

Introduction

Goddess Kali, one of the most powerful and revered deities in Hindu mythology, embodies destruction, transformation, and divine femininity. Her iconography is rich with symbolic postures that reflect her cosmic role in the universe. Each posture represents profound philosophical and metaphysical meanings, encapsulating her function as the destroyer of evil, the liberator of souls, and the ultimate reality beyond duality. This analysis explores the significant symbolic postures of Kali and their deeper meanings.

1. The Standing Posture on Shiva’s Chest

One of the most iconic representations of Kali is her standing atop Lord Shiva. This posture conveys multiple layers of symbolism:

• Triumph Over Ego: Shiva represents pure consciousness, while Kali signifies dynamic energy or Shakti. Her stance on Shiva’s chest signifies the triumph of Shakti over static consciousness, emphasizing the necessity of action and transformation.
• Balance of Creation and Destruction: Kali’s aggressive energy is counterbalanced by Shiva’s passive stillness, symbolizing the interplay between destruction and regeneration.
• The Awakening of Awareness: The act of stepping on Shiva’s chest is said to have brought Kali to a realization of her own overwhelming power, leading her to bite her tongue in self-awareness and restraint.

2. The Dancing Posture (Tandava Kalaa)

Kali is often depicted in a fierce dance, known as Tandava, symbolizing cosmic destruction and renewal. This dance posture signifies:

• The Rhythm of the Universe: Her dance represents the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
• The Subjugation of Evil: The movement of her limbs and weapons in the dance highlights the relentless destruction of negative forces and ignorance.
• Time as an Inescapable Force: Her rhythmic steps resonate with the ticking of cosmic time, reminding devotees of the impermanence of material existence.

3. The Abhaya Mudra (Gesture of Fearlessness)

Kali’s right hand is often raised in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture that symbolizes protection and reassurance. The meanings of this posture include:

• Divine Assurance: This gesture assures devotees that she will destroy all fear, liberating them from worldly illusions.
• Supreme Authority: Kali’s fearlessness signals her dominance over all aspects of existence, from life to death.
• Empowerment: It serves as an encouragement for devotees to transcend their fears and embrace transformation.

4. The Varada Mudra (Gesture of Blessings)

Kali’s lower left hand is usually depicted in the Varada Mudra, representing benevolence and divine blessings. This posture highlights:

• Compassion Amidst Fierceness: Despite her terrifying form, Kali is ultimately a loving mother, showering blessings upon her devotees.
• Spiritual Liberation: Her gift is not just material well-being but moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
• Unconditional Grace: Kali’s gesture reassures that she provides for those who surrender to her, offering guidance and protection.

5. The Outstretched Tongue

Kali is famously depicted with her tongue sticking out, an image that has deep symbolic meanings:

• Awareness and Restraint: The outstretched tongue is linked to Kali’s realization of her destructive power, leading her to withdraw.
• The Devouring of Ignorance: It represents her role as the ultimate consumer of ego and illusion.
• Symbol of Feminine Energy: The tongue is also associated with fierce feminine energy (Shakti), embodying both creation and destruction.

6. Multiple Arms Holding Weapons

Kali’s depiction with multiple arms, each carrying different weapons, reflects her omnipotence and ability to perform various cosmic functions simultaneously:

• Sword and Severed Head: Represent the destruction of ego and ignorance.
• Trident: Symbolizes the balance of the three gunas—sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia).
• Chakra (discus): Represents cosmic order and righteousness.
• Noose or Rope: Signifies liberation from worldly attachments.

7. Garland of Skulls and Skirt of Arms

Kali is often portrayed wearing a garland of skulls and a skirt made of severed arms, signifying:

• The Cycle of Life and Death: The skulls represent human egos that have been vanquished.
• Detachment from the Material World: The arms symbolize action without attachment, reflecting the teachings of karma yoga.
• The Impermanence of Physical Existence: The severed heads remind devotees of the transient nature of life and the importance of spiritual pursuits.

8. Kali Seated in Meditation (Dhyana Kali)

Though rare, Kali is sometimes depicted in a seated meditative posture, which conveys:

• Supreme Tranquility: Despite her terrifying form, Kali is the embodiment of stillness and ultimate peace.
• Integration of Destruction and Wisdom: The posture reflects that destruction is not chaos but a necessary aspect of cosmic wisdom.
• Attaining Enlightenment: This image guides devotees to seek inner transformation rather than external power.

Conclusion

Each symbolic posture of Goddess Kali conveys a profound spiritual lesson, encapsulating the paradoxes of destruction and creation, fear and fearlessness, chaos and order. Her dynamic representations serve as reminders of the cyclical nature of life, urging devotees to transcend material illusions and embrace divine wisdom. Kali’s postures are not merely artistic depictions but powerful spiritual symbols that continue to inspire seekers on the path of self-realization and liberation.