Bhadrakālī – The auspicious and dharma-protecting Kālī
During our recent trip to India with teacher Paulo Vieira and Sónia Vilela, we were able to attend a Bhadrakālī ritual at Ānanda Jyothi’s house in Kerala.
photo of Ivone, who also accompanied us on this trip. Thank you, Ivone for the picture.
In conversation with a dear devotional chanting student, the question arose of knowing more about this Devī (female deity). And since every question leads to the need for an answer, I went in search of her in order to bring clarity to this topic.
Bhadrakālī is considered one of the most powerful and venerated manifestations of the goddess Kālī in the Hindu pantheon. Representing the divine feminine force (Śakti), Bhadrakālī is associated with protection, justice and the destruction of evil forces. Her name, which combines bhadra (auspicious) and Kālī (the black or eternal one), reflects her dual role as a fierce and benevolent deity.
Bhadrakālī is also seen as a distinct manifestation of the goddess Kālī. Although there is a direct association, Bhadrakālī combines the destructive and transformative qualities of Kālī with the attributes of protection and auspiciousness.
The Markandeya Purāṇa tells us that Bhadrakālī was created by Śiva in order to defeat the demon Darika, after the latter had obtained a gift that made him immune to death by men. Bhadrakālī’s fierce battle and final victory highlight her status as a divine warrior.
In the Devīmāhātmyam (the glory of the Goddess), also called Durgā Saptashatī among other names and part of the Markandeya Purāṇa, Kālī, in her fierce manifestation of Durga, defeats the demon Raktabija by drinking his blood before he touches the ground, preventing his regeneration. This battle symbolizes the victory of justice over evil and the transformative power of the goddess.
Bhadrakālī is revered throughout India and especially in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
A representation of Kālī (sometimes described as a form of Pārvatī) attacking Nisumbha with his trident. c. 1740, Cleveland Museum of Art
Symbology
The visual representation of Bhadrakālī stands out for its ferocity and is usually depicted with various weapons, flaming eyes and a determined countenance, symbolizing its readiness to protect its devotees and destroy ignorance and evil. Despite her appearance, which can be seen as terrifying, her nature is compassionate towards those who seek refuge in her.
Some of the elements present in images of Bhadrakālī include:
- a sword representing divine knowledge that destroys ignorance
- a trident symbolizing the three fundamental aspects: creation, preservation and destruction
- a mace of weapons that transmits power and strength over enemies
- a disk that represents the cycle of time and the impermanence of existence
- a bow and arrow that symbolizes precision in attacking evil forces
- a lasso or rope used to capture and bind enemies
- a skull and a japamālā which represent detachment from material desires and the cycles of life and death
Temples Dedicated to Bhadrakālī
There are several temples dedicated to Bhadrakālī throughout India, each with its own history and rituals. Among the best known are:
- Bhadrakālī Temple in Warangal, Telangana
- Thiruvarkadu Bhagavathy Temple (also known as Madayi Kavu) in Kerala
A 17th century wooden sculpture of Bhadrakālī from Kerala
Rituals and festivities
The worship of Bhadrakālī includes devotional prayers or mantras, offerings of flowers, fruits, among other referential symbols. During festivals such as Navarātri, special rituals are performed to invoke his protection, and in southern India, celebrations include traditional dances and theatrical performances depicting his victory over evil.
Even today, Bhadrakālī continues to inspire art, literature and cultural movements in India. She is considered a symbol of female empowerment and a figure of spiritual devotion, especially among those facing adversity.
Contemplating the Devī and her symbolism is a very profound practice. Allowing the relationship between the individual and Devī to be established allows a space for transformation to be created and for its aspects to be brought into this individuality, transmuting what needs to be released.
Whether we revere her naturally or need courage and strength to face adharma internally or externally, may Bhadrakālī be in us and protect us,
Inês Ritto @ Alma Dádiva
Links and reference images:
https://sanskrit.inria.fr/MW/185.html
https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kali
https://www.ramana-maharshi.org/bhadrakali-the-fierce-form-of-the-goddess-kali/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhadrakali
https://rarebooksocietyofindia.org/book_archive/196174216674_10156485389386675.pdf
https://www.astroved.com/articles/story-of-goddess-bhadrakali
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devi_Mahatmya
https://www.madayikavutemple.org/
Additional note: sanskrit words and their transliterated form are in italics.
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