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Devi Form · Goddess of Time and Transformation

Kali

काली
Also known as: Kālī, Dakṣiṇakālī, Mahākālī, Bhadrakālī, Śyāmā

About

The fierce goddess of time, death, and transformation. Emerged from Durga's forehead to slay demons Chanda, Munda, and Raktabija. Represents the destructive aspect of time that consumes all, and the ultimate liberation beyond fear of death. Central deity in Shaktism and Tantric traditions.

Attributes

TimeDeathDestructionLiberationFierce compassion

Symbols

Dark complexionSevered head garlandSkirt of severed armsSwordTrishulaSkull bowlTongue out
Consort
Shiva (as corpse beneath her feet)

Associated Mantras

Om Krim Kālikāyai Namaḥ
Kālī Kavacham
Dakṣiṇakālī Stotram

Festivals

Kali PujaDiwali (in Bengal)Navaratri

Scriptures

Kālī PurāṇaDevī MāhātmyaMārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa

Regions Worshipped

West BengalAssamOdishaPan-India (tantric traditions)

Iconography

Dark blue or black complexion, standing on a corpse of Shiva. Four arms: upper left holds skull bowl, lower left holds severed head; upper right holds sword, lower right in abhaya mudra. Garland of severed heads, skirt of severed arms. Wild hair, three eyes, protruding tongue.