Significance of Kalika

Kalika is a multifaceted concept in various contexts. In Jainism, Kalika is depicted as a dark goddess symbolizing protection for women in crisis. In Purana, she is identified as a fearsome incarnation of Parvati, instrumental in defeating evil forces. In Shaktism, Kalika embodies divine power against ignorance. Additionally, in Vastushastra, Kalika denotes a door-bolt, while in science, it refers to a medicinal paste. This illustrates Kalika's significance as a representation of strength, protection, and healing across different traditions.1
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In Spanish: Calika; In Dutch: Kalika; In German: Kalika; In Finnish: Kalika

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Kalika'

Hinduism Books

Kalika in Hinduism embodies a fierce aspect of the Goddess Durga, representing martial strength and power against evil. She is celebrated for her violence, transformation, and role in overcoming ignorance and duality, rooted in divine force.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The text introduces a figure named Kali, who emerges from the forehead of Ambika, and describes her appearance and actions.[1] (2) A fierce goddess who aids in the battle against the Danavas, known for her violence and strength.[2] (3) The transformed body of Parvati characterized by a terrible black appearance, known to instill terror in the Daityas.[3] (4) A principal Shakti (force) manifested as part of the Devi during the fierce battle against Durgama.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

Shakta or Shaktism (shaktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)

(1) The door-bolt used for securing doors together, also referred to as Argala.[5]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) This term refers to a kind of skin procured from Aroha, which is brown or of the color of a pigeon, describing its appearance.[6]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

(1) Kalika is a complication resulting from puncturing the veins, leading to Jwara (fever), Daah (burning sensation), and Shvaythu (swelling).[7]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Jain concept of 'Kalika'

Jainism Books

Kalika in Jainism embodies a goddess symbolizing protection during a woman's crisis, depicted as a dark-colored figure on a lotus, with one hand in blessing and the other wielding a noose, snake, and goad.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The goddess whose temple contextually frames a moment of crisis for a woman in distress seeking protection.[8] (2) A dark-colored goddess seated on a lotus, recognized by one hand in varada-position and another holding a noose, with her left hands carrying a snake and a goad.[9]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Kalika in scientific sources

Science Books

Kalika pertains to a medicinal paste created by grinding herbs with water, used externally for therapeutic benefits, highlighting its role in traditional healing practices.

Significance in Health Sciences:
Health Sciences Books

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