- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 24 Sep 2025 01:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shardiya Navratri 2025: One of the most venerated deities in Hinduism is the goddess Kali, also called Kalika, who represents destruction, death, and time. She is known as the first of the ten Mahavidyas, a group of goddesses who provide liberating wisdom, and, despite her fierce appearance, she symbolises transcendental knowledge. Maa Kali is one of the most well-known and frequently worshipped of the numerous Hindu goddesses. She is a key figure in Shaivism, goddess-focused sects, the Kalikula tradition, and tantric practices. She is primarily revered by devotees as the Mother of the Universe, the Divine Mother, and the embodiment of strong feminine energy.
Maa Kali is portrayed in a terrifying manner, in contrast to many other goddesses. She has wide red eyes, a dark black complexion, and a hanging tongue that is frequently seen covered with blood. The heads of the demons she is holding drip blood, and she is wearing a garland of demon skulls. Her face is ferocious and intimidating, representing unadulterated strength and devastation. This remarkable look contrasts sharply with other Hindu goddesses, who are typically depicted wearing vibrant sarees, wearing jewellery, and radiating poise and serenity.
However, have you ever wondered about the significance behind the scary and angry look of the divine goddess Kali? Let us uncover the answer to this question below:
Shardiya Navratri 2025: What is The Significance Behind The Scary And Angry Look Of Maa Kali?
The Origin Of Maa Kali
Kali’s formidable nature is vividly illustrated in the story of her battle with the demon Raktabija. Other female deities had attempted to defeat him, but each drop of blood from their attacks would create a clone of the demon, multiplying his army instead of diminishing it. Realising that only Kali possessed the divine Shakti, or supreme power, to end him, the deities called upon her. With her huge red eyes, gaping mouth, and hanging tongue, Kali bellowed through the heavens and alone stood against the demon and his multiplying forces. She finally vanquished Raktabija by drinking his blood before it could fall to the ground, reducing his army and himself to ruin, and adorning herself with the demon's severed heads as trophies of victory.
After her triumph, Kali’s euphoria transformed into a wild, uncontrollable dance, each movement intensifying the turbulence around her. Her powerful swirling motions became so fierce that it seemed the entire world was at risk of destruction. To prevent chaos, Lord Shiva intervened and approached her to calm her down. As she continued her rampage, Kali inadvertently stepped on him, bringing her dance to a halt. Through Shiva’s intervention, the world was saved from devastation, highlighting both Kali’s immense power and the balance brought by divine forces in Hindu legends.
Devi Kali symboliaes divine power, destruction of evil, ego surrender, and spiritual liberation, inspiring courage, protection, and transformative energy in devotees. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Symbolism Of Each Feature Of Maa Kali
- Dark Skin: Maa Kali’s dark complexion represents the infinite void, the unmanifested reality from which all creation emerges. It is a reminder of the limitless, transcendent nature of the divine, beyond human comprehension. Her blackness embodies both the source of life and the eternal truth that underlies the visible universe, inviting devotees to see beyond appearances.
- Dishevelled Hair: Her wild, unkempt hair reflects the untamed and chaotic forces of the cosmos. It symbolises freedom from societal norms and the unpredictable nature of life. Through this depiction, devotees are reminded that creation and destruction are inseparable, and embracing the chaos of the universe is essential to spiritual growth and liberation.
- Extended Tongue: Devi Kali’s extended tongue represents her primal, raw energy and immense power. It reflects her fearless nature in confronting evil and her readiness to consume negativity. This fierce aspect reminds devotees that divine energy is not always gentle, but necessary to overcome ignorance, ego, and destructive forces that hinder spiritual progress.
- Skull Necklace and Skirt of Hands: The necklace of skulls and skirt of severed hands signify the destruction of ego, ignorance, and attachment. Each skull and hand represents a conquered demon or human vice. By wearing them, Kali demonstrates that spiritual growth requires overcoming these inner demons, and her devotees are encouraged to surrender their pride and fear.
- Weapons in Multiple Arms: Devi Kali’s many arms and weapons illustrate her omnipotent power and ability to destroy specific weaknesses in evil. Each weapon symbolises a tool to combat different forms of darkness, injustice, or ignorance. Her multiple arms convey that divine energy can simultaneously protect, guide, and vanquish obstacles that threaten righteousness and spiritual balance.
- Red Outstretched Tongue Dripping with Blood: Maa Kali’s red tongue, often shown dripping with the blood of demons, epitomises her fierce, untamed energy and victory over evil. It reflects her primal strength and fearlessness, showing that confronting darkness requires courage. This imagery inspires devotees to channel their inner strength to overcome challenges and purify themselves spiritually.
- Standing on Shiva: Maa Kali standing on Shiva highlights the interdependence of Shakti and Shiva. It signifies that her power is supreme, and without Shakti, even Shiva is inert. This depiction teaches devotees that the divine feminine energy is essential for creation, sustenance, and transformation, and that balance between consciousness and energy is central to life and spirituality.
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The ferocious and intimidating look of Maa Kali is deeply symbolic. Her black skin, broad red eyes, and crimson-stained tongue symbolise her role as the slayer of evil, ego, and ignorance. This intimidating form is not intended to be frightening but to invoke courage, vigour and spiritual insight in devotees. It reminds them of the double role of divine power - protective and transformative - that can prevail over darkness. Maa Kali’s anger symbolises righteous energy, guiding humanity toward truth, liberation, and the ultimate victory of good over evil.