With dishevelled hair, they appear terrible. (Bhairo Kabir, p. 1163) The above reference may be in respect of a hag, but it seems to be particulariy about the goddess Kali. Durga, the consort of Shiva assumed the form of Kali, when during her war with the demons, she had to des with the Raktavija, whose every drop of blood which fell on the ground produced more demons. As Kali sh drank all the blood of the demon and did not let $ fall on the ground. In art she is shown as a half-nake
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Kali, often referred to as the Goddess of Time, Death, and Destruction, is one of the most powerful and revered deities in Hindu mythology. Her name derives from the Sanskrit word Kala, meaning “time” or “black,” symbolizing her connection to the eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
Key Aspects of Kali:
- Origins:
- Kali’s first major appearance in Hindu texts is in the Devi Mahatmya (6th century CE), where she emerges from Goddess Durga’s rage to defeat the demon Raktabija. Raktabija’s blood spawned new demons, and Kali prevented this by consuming his blood before it touched the ground.
- Iconography:
- Kali is often depicted as black or blue-skinned, with a fierce expression, a necklace of decapitated heads, and a skirt of human arms. She carries weapons and a severed head, symbolizing her role as the destroyer of evil and ignorance.
- Role in Hindu Philosophy:
- Kali embodies Shakti, the divine feminine energy, and is considered the ultimate reality in Shakta traditions. She represents liberation (moksha) and the transcendence of fear and ego.
- Cultural Significance:
- Worshipped widely in Bengal, Kerala, and Assam, Kali is celebrated during festivals like Kali Puja and Navaratri. Devotees view her as a protective mother who destroys negativity and grants spiritual awakening.
- Symbolism:
- Kali’s terrifying form is a reminder of life’s impermanence and the need to embrace change. Her dance on Shiva’s body symbolizes the balance between destruction and creation.
Kali’s mythology and worship are deeply intertwined with themes of empowerment, transformation, and cosmic justice.
