Her skin is dark, her hair flows freely, and a garland of severed heads hangs around her neck. She carries a sword and a severed head in her hands, while Lord Shiva lies beneath her feet. Behind this fierce depiction of Goddess Kali lie centuries-old myths, religious beliefs and profound symbolism.
Hindus across Bangladesh are celebrating Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, on Sunday, the new moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik.
One of the major religious festivals of Sanatan Dharma, Kali Puja is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who embodies divine power and the destruction of evil. Devotees light lamps, decorate temples and homes, and offer prayers seeking her blessings for protection, peace and prosperity.
The name ‘Kali’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Kala’, meaning time, and is also associated with the colour black. In Hindu belief, Goddess Kali is a powerful manifestation of the Divine Mother, symbolising both creation and destruction.
Several stories in Hindu scriptures describe the emergence of Goddess Kali. One of the best-known accounts is associated with the demon Raktabija.
According to Hindu mythology, Raktabija had received a boon that every drop of his blood that touched the ground would give rise to another demon identical to him. This made him virtually impossible for the gods to defeat.
To protect the gods from his growing power, Goddess Durga entered the battlefield. However, each time Raktabija was wounded, more demons emerged from the drops of his blood.
Faced with this challenge, Goddess Kali emerged from Durga's anger. She began drinking Raktabija's blood before it could reach the ground, preventing the creation of more demons. She eventually defeated him.
The story highlights Kali's role as the destroyer of evil and the protector of the universe.
Why is Kali's skin dark?
One of the most striking features of Goddess Kali is her dark or deep blue complexion. She is also known as Shyama, meaning dark-coloured.
According to religious interpretations, her dark appearance represents the infinite nature of the universe and the power that transcends all colours and forms. Just as the vast sky has no visible boundaries, Kali's power is believed to be limitless.
Her dark complexion also reflects her association with Mahakala, or the supreme power of time.
Why does Kali wear a garland of severed heads?
Goddess Kali is commonly depicted wearing a garland of severed human heads around her neck. This striking feature carries several symbolic meanings.
One interpretation is that the garland represents the destruction of ego, ignorance and worldly attachments. Some religious traditions also associate the heads with the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet.
The imagery reminds devotees of the impermanence of human life and the futility of worldly pride.
In many traditional depictions, Kali also wears a belt of severed human hands around her waist.
The hands are often interpreted as symbols of human actions and their consequences. In Hindu philosophy, karma, or the consequences of one's actions, plays a central role in human life.
The belt is also seen as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly identity and attachment.
What do the sword and severed head symbolise?
In traditional depictions, Kali holds a sword in one hand and a severed head in another.
The sword symbolises the destruction of evil, ignorance and injustice, while the severed head represents the elimination of ego and false pride.
Her other hands are often shown in gestures of blessing and protection, reflecting her dual role as a fierce destroyer of evil and a compassionate protector of her devotees.
Why does Kali stand on Lord Shiva?
Perhaps the most familiar and intriguing feature of Goddess Kali's image is Lord Shiva lying beneath her feet.
According to a popular mythological account, after defeating the demons, Kali became so enraged that she began a destructive dance, threatening to disrupt the balance of the universe.
Alarmed by the prospect of universal destruction, the gods turned to Lord Shiva for help. To stop her, Shiva lay down in her path. As Kali continued dancing, she unknowingly stepped on his chest.
Realising that she had stepped on her husband, Kali became embarrassed and stuck out her tongue.
This story is commonly cited to explain why Kali is depicted standing on Shiva with her tongue extended.
A deeper philosophical interpretation sees Shiva as the embodiment of pure consciousness and Kali as the manifestation of energy or power. Their union symbolises the relationship between consciousness and the dynamic force that sustains creation.
Why does Kali have loose hair and wear no conventional clothes?
Goddess Kali is often depicted with long, flowing hair and without conventional clothing. This form is known as Digambari, meaning one whose clothing is the directions or the sky.
According to religious interpretations, her appearance represents freedom from worldly restrictions and social conventions. As the embodiment of infinite cosmic power, she cannot be confined by material boundaries.
Why is Kali Puja performed at night?
Unlike many other Hindu festivals, Kali Puja is traditionally performed at night, particularly on the new moon night of Kartik.
According to religious belief, the darkness of the night represents the struggle between light and darkness, while the worship of Kali symbolises the destruction of evil and the awakening of divine power.
Devotees light oil lamps and candles in their homes and temples, creating an atmosphere of devotion and celebration.
Red hibiscus flowers hold a special place in Kali Puja. Devotees traditionally offer them to the goddess because the colour red is associated with strength, courage and power.
As Kali is worshipped as the embodiment of divine energy, the red hibiscus is considered a particularly fitting offering.
How Kali worship became popular in Bengal
Kali worship has a long history in Bengal, particularly through the Shaktism tradition, which regards the Divine Mother as the supreme power.
Krishnananda Agamavagisha, a Tantric scholar from Nabadwip, is traditionally credited with popularising the worship of Goddess Kali through idols in Bengal.
During the 18th century, Raja Krishnachandra of Nadia is also believed to have played an important role in popularising Kali Puja. Later, wealthy landlords and influential families helped spread the festival across different parts of Bengal.
The devotional songs of Ramprasad Sen played a significant role in shaping the Bengali people's relationship with Goddess Kali. Through his compositions, Kali became more than a powerful deity; she emerged as a loving mother to whom devotees could express their hopes, fears and deepest emotions.
The spiritual practices of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa further strengthened the tradition of Kali worship in Bengal.
Kali Puja and Diwali: What is the difference?
Kali Puja and Diwali are both observed on the new moon night of Kartik, but their principal forms of worship differ across regions.
In many parts of India, Diwali is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. In Bengal and several eastern regions, devotees traditionally worship Goddess Kali on this night.
The word ‘Diwali’ means a row of lamps. Lighting lamps symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
