Kali

Kali is a goddess in Hinduism, who is often associated with death, time, and doomsday. She is also considered a strong mother-figure and symbolic of motherly-love. Kali is often portrayed standing or dancing on her consort, the Hindu god Shiva, who lies calm and prostrate beneath her. She is worshipped by Hindus throughout India and Nepal.

Etymology and other names[edit | edit source]

The name Kali is derived from the Sanskrit "Kālá", which means black, time, death, lord of death, Shiva. Kali is also known as Kālikā (Sanskrit: कालिका). Other names include Kālarātri (black night), and Kālikāmātā (black earth-mother).

Iconography[edit | edit source]

Kali is often depicted in the art as a fearful fighting figure with a necklace of heads, skirt of arms, lolling tongue, and brandishing a knife dripping with blood. She is also shown with her foot on Shiva's chest—while she is the embodiment of Shakti, or divine feminine power, Shiva is the passive recipient of her energy.

Worship[edit | edit source]

Kali is worshipped throughout India, particularly in West Bengal, Assam, and Jharkhand. The main festival dedicated to her is Kali Puja, which coincides with Diwali.

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

Kali has been a popular figure in popular culture, appearing in a variety of books, films, and songs.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Kali at Encyclopædia Britannica

Kali Resources
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