Blog

Introduction: The Ferocious Form of Adishakti

Jai Maa Kali! Whenever we imagine the most fierce and formidable form of Shakti (divine energy), only one image emerges in our minds – that of Mahakali. With her dark complexion, disheveled hair, a garland of skulls, a sword and trident in her hands, and her feet placed on the chest of Lord Shiva, this form of the Mother Goddess evokes a sense of fear, yet simultaneously, a profound feeling of security in the hearts of her devotees. Mahakali is not just the goddess of destruction; she is the Adishakti (the primordial energy), the controller of time, and for her devotees, she is the most compassionate Mother.

In this article today, we will answer all your questions related to Mahakali and try to understand her mysterious form.

1. Who is Goddess Mahakali?

Often, people wonder who Goddess Kali was and what her real name is.

• Who was Goddess Kali?: Goddess Kali is none other than a form of Goddess Parvati (Adishakti) herself. She is the first among the Das Mahavidyas (the ten great wisdom goddesses). She manifested to annihilate the wicked and establish Dharma (righteousness). She is beyond Kaal (Time), which is why she is called ‘Mahakali’.
• What is the real name of Kali?: ‘Kali’ is her famous name, derived from her Krishna (black or dark) complexion. Her original form is Adishakti Parashakti. She is known by many names such as Dakshinakali, Shamshan Kali, Bhadrakali, and Kamakhya Kali, which are based on her various forms and divine plays (leelas).
• How did Mahakali appear?: According to the Durga Saptashati, when the three worlds trembled from the atrocities of the demons Chanda, Munda, and Raktabija, Goddess Mahakali emerged from the frown (the space between the eyebrows) of Goddess Parvati in response to the prayers of the Devas (gods). Immediately upon her manifestation, she destroyed Chanda and Munda, earning her the name ‘Chamunda’, and then she vanquished Raktabija.

2. The Form of Mahakali and its Secrets

The form of Maa Kali is extremely mysterious and symbolic.

• Why is Kali’s tongue out?: The demon Raktabija had a boon that a new demon would be born from every drop of his blood that fell to the ground. To slay him, Maa Kali drank his blood with her tongue before it could touch the earth. Her extended red tongue is a symbol of this destructive act. It also symbolizes that she consumes all the energies of the universe within herself.
• Why is Shiva under Kali’s feet?: After annihilating Raktabija and other demons, Maa Kali’s rage was uncontrollable. The fire of her fury began to threaten the existence of the universe. At the request of the gods, Lord Shiva himself lay down in her path. As soon as the Mother’s foot touched her husband, Shiva, she was filled with embarrassment and remorse, and her tongue came out. Her anger immediately subsided. This scene demonstrates that Shakti (Kali) and Shiva (Consciousness) are complementary. Without Shiva, Shakti is uncontrollable, and without Shakti, Shiva is like a ‘Shava’ (corpse).

• What is the vehicle of Maa Kali?: Typically, Maa Kali is depicted as a goddess who roams in the ‘Shamshan’ (cremation ground), and a ‘Shava’ (corpse) is considered her seat. In some depictions, she is also shown with a jackal, which symbolizes the cremation ground and the night.

3. Divine Relationships of Maa Kali

• Who was the husband of Mahakali?: Since Mahakali is a form of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva is her husband. She is the power of Shiva.
• Who was the Guru of Mahakali?: Mahakali is herself the Adishakti and the Jagadguru (the guru of the universe). She is the controller of time and the cosmos; she has no guru. She herself is the source of all knowledge. Lord Shiva is her husband and, in the Ardhanarishvara form, her other half. They complement each other.
• What is the difference between Mahakali and Bhadrakali?: Mahakali is the most fierce and intense form of Kali, which manifests during destruction. On the other hand, Bhadrakali is her relatively calmer and boon-giving form. ‘Bhadra’ means ‘gracious’ or ‘auspicious’. The worship of Bhadrakali is more prevalent in South India, and she blesses her devotees with well-being.
• What is the relationship between Maa Kali and Lord Shani?: In astrology and Tantra, worshiping Maa Kali helps to pacify the malefic effects of the planet Saturn (Shani). Both are dark in complexion and are associated with karmic justice. Devotion to Maa Kali pleases Lord Shani and reduces suffering.

4. Worship and Devotion to Maa Kali

Pleasing Maa Kali might seem difficult, but she readily accepts worship done with true devotion.

• What does Maa Kali like?: Maa Kali is fond of true devotion, a pure heart, surrender, and courage. She particularly loves the colors red and black. The red Hibiscus flower is extremely dear to her.
• Which is the day of Kali Mata?: Saturday and Tuesday are considered special days for the worship of Maa Kali. Additionally, the night of Amavasya (new moon) is considered the best for her worship, especially the Amavasya of Diwali.
• What is the offering (Bhog) for Kali Mata?: Offerings like Halwa (a sweet pudding), Kheer (rice pudding), fruits, and sweets can be made to the Mother. In Tantric practices, the ‘Panchamakar’ is prescribed, but this is forbidden in Sattvic (pure) worship. Sattvic devotees offer her coconut, lemon, and seasonal fruits.
• How to please Maa Kali?:
  1. Pure Heart: Worship without any malice or deceit.
  2. Mantra Chanting: Regularly chant her mantras. “Om Kreem Kalikayai Namah” is the simplest and most effective mantra.
  3. Coconut and Lemon: Offer a coconut or a garland of lemons on Saturday or Amavasya. Lemon is believed to absorb negative energy.
  4. Service: The Mother is extremely pleased by serving the poor and needy.
• Should we keep an idol of Kali Mata at home?: Yes, an idol or photo of Maa Kali can be kept at home, but it should be of her gentle (Saumya) form, where she is in a boon-giving posture (Varada Mudra) or with Lord Shiva. Her fierce (Raudra) form is considered more suitable for temples or cremation grounds. It is essential to perform regular worship and maintain purity if you keep her idol at home.

5. Powerful Mantras and Yantras of Mahakali

Mantras are the most direct way to connect with Maa Kali.

• What is the mantra of Mahakali?:
  • Beej (Seed) Mantra: Om Kreem Kalikayai Namah.
  • Dakshinakali Mantra: Om Hreem Hreem Hreem Dakshine Kalike Swaha.
  • Mahakali Dhyan (Meditation) Mantra: Om Shavarudham Mahabhimam Ghoradanshtram Hasanmukhim. Chaturbhujam Khadgamundavarabhayankaram Shivam॥ (This is used for meditation.)
• What is Mahakali Yantra?: The Mahakali Yantra is a geometric diagram in which her powers are concentrated. Establishing and worshiping this yantra brings positive energy into the home, destroys enemies, and provides freedom from all kinds of fear.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How do you know if Goddess Kali is with you? If you start to feel fearless, your enemies become calm, you achieve unexpected success in your endeavors, and you see the gentle form of the Mother in your dreams, it could be a sign that her grace is with you.
• What does it mean to see Maa Kali in a dream? Seeing Maa Kali in a dream is an auspicious sign. If she appears in a happy mood, it means your troubles are about to end. If she appears in her fierce form, it could be a warning that you are doing something wrong and need to mend your ways.
• Does Kali give wealth? Maa Kali is not directly the goddess of wealth, but with her grace, all of life’s troubles and obstacles are removed. When obstacles are gone, the path to success and prosperity opens up automatically. She makes her devotees self-reliant and powerful.

How To Grow Lotus Flower From Seeds / घर मे कमल के बीज से फूल को कैसे उगाये ।

https://vaishnomata.in/mahakali/

• How did Mahakali die? This question is inherently flawed. Mahakali is unborn, indestructible, and eternal. She is the controller of even Kaal (death), so there is no question of her death. She is ever-present.
• Who was the greatest devotee of Maa Kali? There have been many devotees in history, among whom Ramakrishna Paramahamsa’s name is taken with the utmost reverence. He had a direct vision of Maa Kali. Besides him, the saint Bamakhepa and the poet Ramprasad Sen are also counted among her great devotees.

Conclusion: Maa Kali – A Symbol of Fearlessness, Not Fear

The form of Mahakali may seem frightening, but her heart is equally compassionate and motherly. She annihilates the demons of our inner ego, anger, and evil so that we can live a pure and fearless life. A devotee who takes refuge in her becomes free from the fear of even time and death. She is the ultimate power, she is liberation, and she is the Mother who protects her every child.

Jai Maa Mahakali!