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Shiva Form · Great Time / Lord of Time

Mahakala

महाकाल
Also known as: Mahākāla, Great Time

About

The form of Shiva as the lord of time (kala). Represents time as the devourer of all things. Associated with the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain. The fierce aspect that reminds of impermanence.

Attributes

TimeDeathImpermanenceFierce

Symbols

TimeSwordDarkness
Consort
Mahakali

Associated Mantras

Om Mahākālāya namaḥ
Mahakala Stotram

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri

Scriptures

Shiva PuranaKali Purana

Regions Worshipped

Pan-IndiaTibetan Buddhism (as Dharmapala)

Iconography

Fierce, dark form. Crowned with skulls. Multiple arms holding weapons. Associated with cremation grounds and time.