Goddess Kali represents the force of the ultimate devourer.

Goddess Kali represents the force of the ultimate devourer. She is bathed in blood and one of her leg is seen folded to her knee. The figure she represents is one that is sufficient to strike fear into the weak-hearted. It is no surprise therefore that early orientalist historians assumed Goddess Kali herself was a demon. Blood sacrifices of animals are not uncommon in her worship. In some places where dacoits worshipped the Goddess, she is known to have received human sacrifices too. Even Lord Shiva’s Taandav dance seems somewhat tame next to Kali’s dance of destruction.

In one version of Kali’s birth, there is the story of the terrible demon Raktabija (Blood-seed). This demon was, like most demons, causing a great deal of trouble with people and gods alike but even worse was his ability to produce more demons every time a drop of his blood spilt to the ground. Therefore, each time Raktabija was attacked, the only result was more demons to deal with. The gods decided to work together and combine all of their shakti or divine energy and produce one super being that could destroy Raktabija; the result was Kali. (In another version Maa Durga takes form of Kali, who was summoned by gods to kill the demon).

Given all the divine weapons of the gods, Kali swiftly sought out Raktabija and his demons and proceeded to swallow them all whole so as not to spill anymore blood in the process. Raktabija himself was killed when Kali lopped off his head with a sword and then drank all of his blood, making sure none fell to the ground and thereby ensuring no more demons could menace the world.

The Goddess then went on a raging rampage. No demon, human or God stood a chance at stopping her blood-lust. A collective prayer was made to Lord Shiva by all beings to try to stop this Maha-Shakti form of his consort. Lord Shiva realised even he could not reason with such an elemental force. He decided to lay down in the Goddess’ path. When Kali finally reached the spot where Lord Shiva was lying down, she did not notice him until she stepped on his chest. So far, everything she was setting foot on was being destroyed. This was an exception, Kali was forced to look down and found Shiva there. Sudden realization dawned on her and she snapped out of her reverie and found herself extremely ashamed, sticking out her tongue instinctively as a sign of regret.! 🔱✨👅💀👁💀👅✨🔱

Jai Maa Shakti ~ Jai Maa Kali ~ Jai Shiva Shankar! 🕉🙏🕉