Bhadrakali

This article is about the consort ofVirabhadra.For the form ofParvati,seeKali.For the goddess of time and death, seeMahakali.

For other uses, seeBhadrakali (disambiguation).

Bhadrakali
Time
A 17th-century wooden sculpture of Bhadra Kali from Kerala
Other names	Maha Maya, Shiva Purana also addresses as Rudra Kali being Shiva's daughter, Shiva nandini
Sanskrittransliteration	भद्रकाली
Abode	No abode. Considered Digambari (One wearing directions as dress) means all-pervading.
Mantra	oṃ bhadrakāl̤yai namaḥ
Weapon	Sword: A symbol of divine knowledge that cuts through ignorance. Trident: Represents the three fundamental aspects of creation, preservation, and destruction. Mace: Symbolizes power and strength to subdue enemies. Discus: Represents the cycle of time and the impermanence of existence. Bow and Arrow: Signify precision and accuracy in targeting evil. Noose: Used to capture and bind enemies. Skull and Rosary: Represent detachment from worldly desires and the cyclical nature of life and death.
Battles	Daksha yajna,Wars with Darika, Ruru, Raktabija.
Day	Tuesday/ Friday
Mount	Vetala
Texts	Shiva Purana,Kalika Purana,Devi Bhagavatham, Durga saptha shati etc.
Festivals	Various cultures across the Indian subcontinent observe reverence through diverse festivals.

Bhadrakali(IAST:Bhadrakālī;lit. 'auspicious Kali') is aHindu goddess.She is considered to be the auspicious and fortunate form ofAdi Shaktiwho protects the good, known asBhadra.

InVaishnavism,Bhadrakali is among the many epithets ofYogamaya,the internal potency of illusion of the preserver deity,Vishnu.She is considered the consort of lordvirabhadraswamy(a form of lord shiva).

Etymology

The name Bhadra comes from Sanskrit. In Sanskrit, "bhadra" means "auspicious" or "fortunate". Another interpretation traces the name to the Sanskrit root word (Beeja akshara) "bha" and "dra". The letter "bha" signifies "delusion" or "maya", while "dra" is used as a superlative meaning "the most" or "the greatest". Together, "bhadra" may mean "maha maya" or "great delusion".

Forms

According toTantra Rahasya,the feminine form of the divine (devi) arose from the north face ofShiva,which is blue and with three eyes.

Worship

goddess Bhadrakali,gouacheon paper (ca. 1660–70)

According toKeralatraditions, the events described in theMarkandeya Puranaassociated with Bhadrakali (her slaying of the demonDarikato liberate the universe from evil) took place in Kerala, nearMadayiin theKannur District.She is seen to protect the honour of women and to bestow all spiritual knowledge.

Family deity

According to theNadarcommunity of Tamil Nadu, there were seven children born todevarishisand devakanyas. They gave their children to Bhadrakali, who took and nursed them. The progenies of these children are today believed to be the ancestors of the Nadar community. A Bhadrakali temple is usually at the center of almost every Nadar settlement. Bhadrakali is also the tutelary deity of the Nadar community of Tamil Nadu.

Other legends

According to legends, theSanskritpoetKalidasais believed to have gained mental consciousness due to the divine will of Bhadrakali.

Further reading

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend(ISBN0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola

External links

• Media related toBhadrakaliat Wikimedia Commons
• Kodimatha Pallipurathu Kavu Bhagavathy Temple Kerala | Kerala Pilgrim Centers