In Hinduism, Kali is a fierce and powerful goddess known for her domination over evil forces. She is often depicted as a dark or angry deity, with a necklace of severed heads and a belt of skulls. So who has the ability to control or influence such a formidable divine being? Let’s explore some possibilities.
Shiva
In Hindu mythology, Kali is considered the consort of the god Shiva. As a couple, Shiva is seen as having a calming effect on Kali, balancing out her fierce nature. There are some myths where Kali goes on a rampage, indiscriminately killing demons and mortals alike, and it is Shiva who comes to stop her. He lays down beneath her feet, which halts her murderous spree when she realizes she is standing on her own consort. This story shows Shiva’s ability to pacify and control Kali.
The Devotee
For devotees engaged in Kali worship, it is said that the goddess can be controlled through love, devotion and flattery. In Hindu tantric traditions, practitioners use mantras, offerings, visualization and meditation to evoke Kali’s presence and channel her power. By showing love and surrendering the ego to Kali, she ceases to be hostile or dangerous for her followers. The proper rituals and mindset allow devotees to safely connect with the goddess.
Inner Strength & Wisdom
From a philosophical perspective, Kali’s fierceness represents the darkness, negativity and ignorance within each person. She can only be controlled when one conquers their own inner demons, weaknesses and impurities. By developing spiritual wisdom, self-control, compassion and mental clarity, the shadow side of one’s psyche comes under control. In this sense, Kali is a symbolic reminder to face your fears and master your own mind and emotions.
Tantric Goddesses
In some Hindu tantric traditions, other mother goddesses are believed to have control over Kali. Deities like Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshvari, Chinnamasta and Dhumavati are sometimes propitiated first, before approaching Kali. These tantric goddesses are seen as being able to influence and pacify Kali. So for tantriks, the path to controlling Kali may involve first worshipping and gaining the favor of these Shakti goddesses.
The Divine Mother
On a cosmic scale, Kali is considered a fierce manifestation of the Divine Mother, known as Adi Parashakti. This Great Goddess is the supreme power behind all creation and destruction. As such, Kali is simply one embodiment of this ultimate Divine Force, meaning the Divine Mother is the overarching power who governs and controls all aspects of Kali. So while Kali appears uncontrolled, she is always an instrument of the supreme Goddess’s will.
No Control
Finally, there are some who argue that Kali is by nature wild, unpredictable, and untamable. She exists outside the normal social order, and trying to control or subdue her would go against her very essence. From this perspective, no person, god or force can truly control Kali, restrain her actions, or claim authority over her. The most one can do is show reverence and avoid provoking her fury, but Kali ultimately moves to the beat of her own drum.
Conclusion
Kali is often thought of as an uncontrollable, dangerous force, but Hindu traditions provide various explanations for how her power can be managed. By developing wisdom, showing devotion, and surrendering the ego to the Divine, her followers believe the goddess’s ferocity becomes accessible. Yet some argue that Kali will always retain her radical freedom. In the end, harnessing the power of this Cosmic Mother remains both a promise and a peril.
Frequently Asked Questions about Controlling Kali
Does Kali have any weaknesses?
Kali is a powerful goddess, so she has few weaknesses. However, some myths mention she has a weakness for alcoholic drinks, particularly wine. Intoxicants are said to put her in a more relaxed, amenable mood. Her love for Shiva is also sometimes considered a humanizing weakness. But overall, Kali has few vulnerabilities.
Why is Kali depicted standing on Shiva?
Images showing Kali standing on top of the god Shiva depict a story where she goes on a killing rampage. To stop her, Shiva lays down in her path. When Kali steps on him, she stops, realizing she is disrespecting her own consort. This shows Shiva’s power to control Kali through his calming energy.
Do Kali mantras provide control over her?
Mantras focused on Kali are believed to gently influence her, not control her. Tantriks use these mantras to access her fierce power constructively for spiritual advancement. With the proper attitude of reverence, mantras can persuade Kali to lend her energy to the practitioner’s ritual intentions.
Why is animal sacrifice offered to Kali?
Some Hindu groups have offered animal sacrifices to Kali. This is based on medieval ritual practices of offering blood to fierce deities. But modern animal sacrifice is controversial and increasingly discouraged. Most Hindus today offer plant-based offerings respecting Kali’s preference for vegetarian fare.
Can Kali bring both good and bad into someone’s life?
Yes, Kali’s influence can be both benevolent and destructive depending on the circumstances. She may bless devotees but also curse wrongdoers. Kali mainly brings good fortune to the virtuous and wrath upon the immoral. So she both protects her loyal followers and punishes their enemies.
Kali’s Relationships with Other Deities
Here is a table summarizing Kali’s connections with some major Hindu deities:
| Deity | Relationship with Kali |
|---|---|
| Shiva | Consort/Husband |
| Durga | Manifested form |
| Parvati | Benign form |
| Tripura Sundari | Tantric controller |
| Chinnamasta | Tantric companion |
| Dhumavati | Tantric controller |
| Bhuvaneshvari | Tantric controller |
This table summarizes some of Kali’s connections with other Hindu deities. It shows her relationship as Shiva’s consort, her origins in Durga, and her control by certain Tantric goddesses.
Kali’s Portrayal in Various Hindu Texts
Here is an overview of Kali’s appearances in key Hindu scriptures and writings:
| Text | Kali’s Portrayal |
|---|---|
| Mahabharata | Fearsome slayer of demons |
| Devi Mahatmya | Manifestation of Durga who defeats demons |
| Shakta Puranas | Wife of Shiva, created from his energy |
| Tantras | Powerful Tantric deity to be worshipped ritually |
| Ramakrishna’s Teachings | Manifestation of the Divine Mother |
| Tantric Art/Poetry | Sensual Tantric icon |
This table shows Kali’s diverse mythic roles and interpretations in key Hindu religious texts over history.
Kali’s Appearance and Iconography
Here are some key features of Kali’s traditional iconography:
| Iconic Feature | Significance |
|---|---|
| Dark blue or black skin | Primordial, night-like appearance |
| Long, loose hair | Wild, unrestrained nature |
| Red eyes | Fierce, penetrating gaze |
| Bared fangs | Ferocious qualities |
| Tongue sticking out | Primal energies and tastes |
| Garland of skulls/heads | Victorious over death |
| Belt of severed arms | Destruction of ignorance |
| Weapons in hands | Divine retribution against evil |
| Standing on Shiva | Overcoming and uniting with masculine |
Kali’s complex iconography encodes symbolic meanings reflecting her divine functions and mythology.
Kali Mantras
Here are some Kali mantras, with the meanings of each:
| Mantra | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Om Kreem Kalikayei Namaha | Salutations to Kali |
| Om Hrim Shreem Klim Adya Kalika Param Eshwari Swaha | Praise to Kali, supreme goddess |
| Ka E I La Hrim Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hrim Sa Ka La Hrim | Kali mantra for protection |
| Om Hrim Kali Durge Namaha | Prayer to Kali Durga |
| Sring Hring Kling Aing Vajra Vairochaniye Hum Hum Phat Svaha | Mantra for Kali’s blessings |
These are powerful Kali mantras invoking her fierce energy for transformative purposes.
Kali Temples in India
Here are some major temples dedicated to Kali in India:
| Temple Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Kalighat Kali Temple | Kolkata |
| Dakshineswar Kali Temple | Kolkata |
| Kamakhya Temple | Assam |
| Kali Temple at Thanjavur | Tamil Nadu |
| Mansa Devi Temple | Haridwar |
| Naina Devi Temple | Himachal Pradesh |
| Karpaka Vinayakar Temple | Pondicherry |
These are some of the most prominent temples where Hindus worship Kali all around India. They attract devotees from across the country and world.
Forms and Aspects of Kali
There are several incarnations and forms of Kali worshipped in Hinduism:
| Form | Significance |
|---|---|
| Bhadrakaali | Benign, auspicious form |
| Chamunda | Emaciated, cremation ground form |
| Dakshina Kaali | Tantric form, worshipped in Kashmir |
| Guhya Kaali | Secret Kali revealed in Tantra |
| Kaalratri | “Night of Death” form, slayer of demons |
| Bhairavi | Terrifying Tantric form |
| Maha Kali | Great Black Goddess, primal form |
This table shows some of the important incarnations of Kali described in various Hindu texts and traditions.
Kali’s Significance and Meaning
Here is an overview of Kali’s main symbolic significance:
| Aspect | Significance |
|---|---|
| Slayer of demons | Overcoming negative forces, protection |
| Dark complexion | Primordial chaos from which creation emerges |
| Garland of heads | Victorious over death and time |
| Wild appearance | Natural order outside social norms |
| Nudity | Bare truth without illusion |
| Tongue out | Life force, tasting reality’s essence |
| Bloodied weapons | Holy violence against wickedness |
| Dancing | Dynamic cosmic energy |
| Union with Shiva | Interdependence of all opposites |
Kali’s iconography symbolically encodes complex Tantric philosophies about the universal forces of creation, destruction, and transcendence.
Quotes about Kali
Here are some quotes from various thinkers about the goddess Kali and her significance:
| Quote | Author |
|---|---|
| “To see Kali is to feel nearly an infinity of feelings at once.” | Ramprasad Sen, poet |
| “Ignore Her at your own risk. Her grace is devastating; Her wrath is terror.” | Devdutt Pattanaik |
| “Kali represents the disintegrative force in Nature as displayed in the processes of putrefaction and decomposition.” | Ajit Mookerjee |
| “Blood oozes from her tongue; her earrings are serpents; she wears the skin of elephants and tigers.” | David Kinsley, scholar |
| “When we realize this Power within ourselves, then we also have Kali’s holy strength to cut off the bonds of ignorance.” | Swami Jyotirmayananda |
These quotes highlight Kali’s ferocious nature and mystical significance as the Divine Mother’s transformative power.
Conclusion
Kali is a multi-dimensional Hindu goddess embodying both fury and nurture. While seemingly wild and untamable, devotees believe proper worship and spiritual wisdom allow Kali’s power to be directed beneficially. Her fearsome appearance represents facing existential truths without denial or illusion. For both devotees and spiritual seekers, Kali symbolizes the eternal dance between life and death, creation and destruction.