First of the ten Mahavidyas. 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.
Dark blue or black complexion, standing on a corpse of Shiva. Four arms: upper left holds khapala (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. Often depicted with fierce smile.