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Bhadrakali

This article is about the consort of Virabhadra. For the form of Parvati, see Kali. For the goddess of time and death, see Mahakali.
For other uses, see Bhadrakali (disambiguation).

Bhadrakali (IAST: Bhadrakālī; lit. 'auspicious Kali'[2]) is a Hindu goddess. She is considered to be the auspicious and fortunate form of Adi Shakti who protects the good, known as Bhadra.[3]

Bhadrakali
Time
A 17th-century wooden sculpture of Bhadra Kali from Kerala
Other namesMaha Maya, Shiva Purana also addresses as Rudra Kali being Shiva's daughter, Shiva nandini
Sanskrit transliterationभद्रकाली
AbodeNo 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.
BattlesDaksha yajna, Wars with Darika, Ruru, Raktabija.
DayTuesday/ Friday [1]
MountVetala
TextsShiva Purana, Kalika Purana, Devi Bhagavatham, Durga saptha shati etc.
FestivalsVarious cultures across the Indian subcontinent observe reverence through diverse festivals.
ConsortVirabhadra

In Vaishnavism, Bhadrakali is among the many epithets of Yogamaya, the internal potency of illusion of the preserver deity, Vishnu.[4] In Shaivism, she accompanies Virabhadra, a form of Shiva, as manifestations of Shiva's wrath.[5]

Etymology

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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".[6][7]

Forms

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According to Tantra Rahasya, the feminine form of the divine (devi) arose from the north face of Shiva, which is blue and with three eyes.[8]

Worship

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goddess Bhadrakali, gouache on paper (ca. 1660–70)

According to Kerala traditions, the events described in the Markandeya Purana associated with Bhadrakali (her slaying of the demon Darika to liberate the universe from evil) took place in Kerala, near Madayi in the Kannur District.[9] She is seen to protect the honour of women and to bestow all spiritual knowledge.[10]


Other legends

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According to legends, the Sanskrit poet Kalidasa is believed to have gained mental consciousness due to the divine will of Bhadrakali.[11]

References

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  1. ^ "Article - Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Kali in the West".
  2. ^ Hudson, D. Dennis (25 September 2008). The Body of God: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram. Oxford University Press, USA. p. 562. ISBN 978-0-19-536922-9.
  3. ^ www.wisdomlib.org (28 January 2019). "Story of Bhadrakālī". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  4. ^ Bryant, Edwin F. (18 June 2007). Krishna: A Sourcebook. Oxford University Press. p. 468. ISBN 978-0-19-028756-6.
  5. ^ Dalal, Roshen (18 April 2014). The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths. Penguin UK. p. 371. ISBN 978-81-8475-396-7.
  6. ^ "Sanskrit Dictionary". sanskritdictionary.com.
  7. ^ "A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary". Dsal.uchicago.edu. 1 June 2002. Retrieved 23 February 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  8. ^ "Chapter Six: Shakti and Shakta". sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  9. ^ Maha Kshethrangalude Munnil, D. C. Books, Kerala.
  10. ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 12: Santi Parva: Mokshadharma Parva: Section CCLXXXIV". sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  11. ^ "The Grace of Mother Kali".

Further reading

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