Kali: The dark mother
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
Mother is the name of God in the lips and heart of children. The
Hindu Goddess Kali is termed the 'divine mother' because of her unique
link with humans. Though ferociously portrayed with a demon head, dark
complexion and four arms, with a sword in one hand and the head of a
demon in another, devotees harness a very loving and intimate bond with
the goddess much like a bond between a mother and her children.
Dakshineshwar Kali temple in Calcutta |
Kali's birth is recorded in the Devi Mahatmya, a text of the 5th -
6th century AD. She was depicted as being born from the brow of Goddess
Durga during one of her battles with evil. The story relates that Kali
was so involved with the killing that she lost control and began
destroying everything in sight.
Finally Lord Shiva had to throw himself under her feet to put an end
to her actions.
This action is captured in most of the images which shows a shocked
Kali, her tongue stuck out and one leg poised over Shiva's chest.
Though Kali is represented with fierce features two of her hands
which do not hold grotesque symbols bless her worshippers. She has two
dead heads for earrings, a string of skulls for a necklace and a girdle
comprising human hands as her garment. Her eyes are red and blood is
splattered all over her body.
Kali's complexion signifies her all-embracing and transcendental
nature. Her garland of 50 skulls stands for the letters in the Sanskrit
alphabet while her girdle implies work and liberation from the cycle of
karma.
Her white teeth show her inner purity and her tongue indicates her
omnivorous nature. Her sword destroys false consciousness and the eight
bonds that bind us.
Her three eyes symbolize the past, present and future, an aspect
which is denoted by her name. Known as the goddess for time and change
Kali takes many forms and names: Shyama, Adya Ma, Chamundi, Tara Ma and
Dakshina Kalika. Bhadra Kali is known for her gentle nature while
Shyamashana Kali lives only in the cremation ground. |