Kali or Kalika, meaning
the black one or
time, is one of many manifestations of the goddess
Parvati (
Ferith)—a dark, powerful and aggressive goddess embodying Parvati's wrath and rage. She is the goddess of time, death, change and destruction, particularly angry and ferocious among devi. For these reasons, Kali is equated to a few of
Ferith's
aspects,
Zithvek,
Shil and
Corrust. But she also embodies the feminine energy of the universe and represents all shakti, first among the Mahavidya representing liberating wisdom!
Her ferocity is ultimately protective, defending her followers from negativity and evil spirits as a mother protects her child. She pushes them to transform and rid themselves of stagnant patterns. And if her followers approach Kali as though she were their mother, she helps them on their path to moksha!
As a manifestation of Parvati, Kali is considered a consort of
Shiva (
Wylrith), often depicted standing on his shoulders. As a warrior goddess, she is known for violently slaying many asura--especially those believed to be impossible to defeat! She exhibits her victories by wearing a garland of asura skulls around her neck as well as a skirt made from their severed hands, all the while her lips are smearked with blood. Perhaps the most notable of her victories was against Raktabija, an asura who could create clones of himself from each drop of his blood that touched the ground. Undaunted, Kali defeated him by sucking every last ounce of his blood before devouring each of his clones! Sometimes, her bloodlust is so insatiable, only Shiva can calm her.
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