Significance of Kali
Synonyms: Goddess of destruction, Goddess of time, Black goddess, Divine feminine, Durga, Parvati, Shakti
In Dutch: Kali; In Finnish: Kali
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Kali'
Kali in Buddhism can be interpreted in three contexts: as a courtesan in Benares embodying caution in speech, a woman from Kuraraghara Town achieving spiritual enlightenment, and Sona's mother, a significant influence in his life and aspirations.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The name of Sona's mother, who played a key role in his life by providing support and contributing to his aspirations.[1] (2) A lady from Kuraraghara Town who, upon overhearing the conversation about the Buddha, attained the state of Sotapanna.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A courtesan in Benares, linked to a story that illustrates the consequences of carelessness and speech.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Kali'
Kali in Hinduism embodies fierce power and transformation, representing destruction and creation, particularly in Kali-yuga, the current age marked by moral decline. She symbolizes the Divine Feminine's strength and the cyclical nature of existence.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The fierce form of the goddess who is associated with destruction but also seen as a protector.[4] (2) Refers to the age or era characterized by strife and moral decline, where the potential for sin is greater, as mentioned in the context of destruction of sins.[5] (3) A name representing the goddess of time, whom Shivasharman meditated upon leading to realizations about death.[6] (4) The forces of darkness represented by Talamegha, who pose challenges to the Devas.[7] (5) A form that will emerge from the Goddess during her penance, initially described as 'black one,' indicative of her fierce aspect.[8]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A prominent goddess depicted with a fierce appearance, surrounded by divine weapons and attendants.[9] (2) The fierce form of the goddess associated with destruction that also embodies transformative power.[10] (3) The form of the Devi representing destruction and a force within the universe.[11] (4) An incarnation of the Devi who emerges in the battle, known for her terrifying and fierce persona.[12] (5) A fierce aspect of the goddess, representing time, change, and destruction, often seen as a force that overcomes ignorance.[13]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A celestial being opposing Nala, representing wrath and vengeance for what he perceives as injustice.[14] (2) The last and most degenerate age in the cycle of Yugas, lasting a thousand years, marked by sin and immorality.[15] (3) The personification of time and fate, often representing destruction and chaos.[16]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A form of goddess known for her dark complexion and fierce nature.[17] (2) Another form of consort of Shiva, invoked during sacrifices with specific rituals and offerings.[18] (3) A significant name to be chanted during the ritual that emphasizes the protective and fierce aspect of the goddess.[19]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) A deity that, along with Mahakala and others, plays a role in the guardianship of the chambers and serves Lalita.[20] (2) A powerful goddess associated with destruction and transformation in Hinduism.[21] (3) A fierce aspect of the goddess Lalita that symbolizes power and transformation in the face of adversity.[22]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Symbolizing the age of decline marked by immorality and wrongdoing distinct from the values of righteousness.[23] (2) The age of darkness and irreligiousness which could not prevail during Parikshit's rule, highlighting his righteousness as a king.[24]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A goddess mentioned in the Purana, associated with fierce aspects of worship and rituals.[25] (2) The final of the four ages, lasting one thousand divine years, similarly having twilight periods.[26]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A divine energy that shares in the part of Lord Shiva, associated with strength and the act of dissolution.[27]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) The fierce form of the goddess that emerges from Ambika in response to anger.[28]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A representation of negativity and chaos, acknowledged in the text as something that the adoration seeks to destroy.[29]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) One of the various names by which goddess Chandika is known.[30]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Refers to the destructive power or negative forces; invokes the idea that true devotion to Vishnu keeps one safe from such influences.[31]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The current age that is recognized by the king, marking a period of darkness and moral decline.[32]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) A prominent goddess in Hinduism to whom the Apaduddharana Kavaca hymn is dedicated for protection.[33] (2) A prominent Goddess who is worshipped in various forms and considered central to the spiritual practices described.[34] (3) The powerful goddess of the Uttaramnaya, known for her ability to bestow enlightenment and protection, and recognized for her multiple forms.[35] (4) A fierce Goddess considered an attendant of Lalita, representing wisdom.[36] (5) A major deity in the Tantric tradition, often acclaimed for her fierce and transformative nature.[37]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A fierce aspect of the Divine Feminine, representing the transformative power of creation, dissolution, and the cyclical nature of existence.[38] (2) An archetype representing the destructive but creative power of Shakti, who encourages the ambitions of demonic beings.[39] (3) A form of the Divine Mother, often associated with destruction and transformation within the context of the Shakta tradition.[40] (4) Kali is a fierce manifestation of the Divine Mother within Hinduism, often associated with destruction and transformation, and is a key figure in many Tantric worship traditions.[41]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A personification of the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, which can influence individuals negatively, particularly in devotional contexts.[42] (2) A reference to the current age, Kali-yuga, where obstacles are presented to devotees, often resulting in controversies regarding meditation, sacrifice, and Deity worship.[43]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Kali; the force from which Duryodhana is described as a partial incarnation.[44]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The evil forces prevalent in the current yuga (age), representing the obstacles to spiritual growth and divine realization.[45]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) A personification of destructive and negative forces, represented as fearing the influence of Prahlada's devotion.[46]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Refers to the current age characterized by spiritual decline, where the guru tradition is perceived as compromised.[47]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A serpent antagonist in the text who embodies poison and threatens the aquatic environment near the Yamuna.[48]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A deity invoked by a young Brahman who seeks justice and salvation from his unjust imprisonment.[49] (2) A goddess associated with decline and troubles, representing the negative consequences of one's actions.[50] (3) The demon that interferes with Nala’s life, causing him to fall into despair and ultimately to betray Damayanti.[51]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The spirit of sin who plans to disrupt the happiness of Nala and Damayanti by pursuing vengeance.[52]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) A character representing chaos and the opposite of righteousness.[53]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term referring to a specific age or epoch within Hindu cosmology, which may influence the rules and rituals surrounding purity and impurity.[54] (2) Represents inactivity, meaning he is 'asleep'.[55] (3) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by moral decline and ethical corruption, where the issues of theft, falsehood, and fraud are prevalent.[56] (4) The last of the Time-cycles, characterized by a duration of one thousand years.[57]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The fierce aspect of the goddess representing time and change, associated with liberation and empowerment.[58]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) One of the chief female divinities mentioned, revered under various names and identified within different cultural contexts across India.[59]
The concept of Kali in local and regional sources
Kali symbolizes destruction, transformation, and protection in Hinduism, embodying chaos in the Kali Yuga while instilling fearlessness among followers. Her fierce representation often includes distinctive headgear, highlighting her powerful mythological status.
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) The black goddess of destruction and transformation in Hinduism, often compared to Rangda and associated with protective traits.[60]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A representation of the Kali Yuga, symbolizing chaos and darkness, which does not intimidate the devoted followers of their guru.[61]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A fierce goddess in Hindu mythology, often represented with specific headgear like the prabha-jwalas.[62]