Significance of Kali
Synonyms: Goddess of destruction, Goddess of time, Black goddess, Divine feminine, Durga, Parvati, Shakti
In Dutch: Kali; In German: Kali; In Finnish: Kali; In Swedish: Kali; In Malay: Kali; In French: Kali; In Spanish: Cali
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Kali'
In Buddhism, Kali can be interpreted in three ways: as a symbol of carelessness related to speech through a courtesan's story, as a nurturing mother supporting Sona, and as a woman from Kuraraghara who achieved enlightenment upon hearing the Buddha.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The name of Sona's mother, who played a key role in his life by providing support and contributing to his aspirations.[1] (2) A lady from Kuraraghara Town who, upon overhearing the conversation about the Buddha, attained the state of Sotapanna.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A courtesan in Benares, linked to a story that illustrates the consequences of carelessness and speech.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Kali'
Kali in Hinduism symbolizes powerful transformative energy and destruction, representing the current age of moral decline (Kali-yuga) where sin prevails. As a fierce goddess, she embodies strength, guardianship, and the necessity of annihilating negativity.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A prominent goddess depicted with a fierce appearance, surrounded by divine weapons and attendants.[4] (2) The fierce form of the goddess associated with destruction that also embodies transformative power.[5] (3) The form of the Devi representing destruction and a force within the universe.[6] (4) An incarnation of the Devi who emerges in the battle, known for her terrifying and fierce persona.[7] (5) A fierce aspect of the goddess, representing time, change, and destruction, often seen as a force that overcomes ignorance.[8]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A celestial being opposing Nala, representing wrath and vengeance for what he perceives as injustice.[9] (2) The last and most degenerate age in the cycle of Yugas, lasting a thousand years, marked by sin and immorality.[10] (3) The personification of time and fate, often representing destruction and chaos.[11]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A goddess mentioned in the Purana, associated with fierce aspects of worship and rituals.[12] (2) The final of the four ages, lasting one thousand divine years, similarly having twilight periods.[13]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A representation of negativity and chaos, acknowledged in the text as something that the adoration seeks to destroy.[14]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) One of the various names by which goddess Chandika is known.[15]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A personification of the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, which can influence individuals negatively, particularly in devotional contexts.[16] (2) A reference to the current age, Kali-yuga, where obstacles are presented to devotees, often resulting in controversies regarding meditation, sacrifice, and Deity worship.[17]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Kali; the force from which Duryodhana is described as a partial incarnation.[18]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The evil forces prevalent in the current yuga (age), representing the obstacles to spiritual growth and divine realization.[19]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) A personification of destructive and negative forces, represented as fearing the influence of Prahlada's devotion.[20]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Refers to the current age characterized by spiritual decline, where the guru tradition is perceived as compromised.[21]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A serpent antagonist in the text who embodies poison and threatens the aquatic environment near the Yamuna.[22]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A deity invoked by a young Brahman who seeks justice and salvation from his unjust imprisonment.[23] (2) A goddess associated with decline and troubles, representing the negative consequences of one's actions.[24] (3) The demon that interferes with Nala鈥檚 life, causing him to fall into despair and ultimately to betray Damayanti.[25]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The spirit of sin who plans to disrupt the happiness of Nala and Damayanti by pursuing vengeance.[26]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A fierce aspect of the Divine Feminine, representing the transformative power of creation, dissolution, and the cyclical nature of existence.[27] (2) An archetype representing the destructive but creative power of Shakti, who encourages the ambitions of demonic beings.[28] (3) A form of the Divine Mother, often associated with destruction and transformation within the context of the Shakta tradition.[29] (4) Kali is a fierce manifestation of the Divine Mother within Hinduism, often associated with destruction and transformation, and is a key figure in many Tantric worship traditions.[30]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term referring to a specific age or epoch within Hindu cosmology, which may influence the rules and rituals surrounding purity and impurity.[31] (2) Represents inactivity, meaning he is 'asleep'.[32] (3) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by moral decline and ethical corruption, where the issues of theft, falsehood, and fraud are prevalent.[33] (4) The last of the Time-cycles, characterized by a duration of one thousand years.[34]
From: Tiruvacakam Part I
(1) One of the chief female divinities mentioned, revered under various names and identified within different cultural contexts across India.[35]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The fierce aspect of the goddess representing time and change, associated with liberation and empowerment.[36]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is the age that is mentioned in the provided text, and the Tajika teaching is very true during this time.[37]
The concept of Kali in local and regional sources
Kali embodies various significances, including a representation of chaos in the Kali Yuga, a fierce goddess in Hinduism symbolizing transformation, and a call for immediate action, illustrating her complex role in spirituality and society.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The subject of a book written by Sister Nivedita, which has become very popular within the country of India.[38] (2) This is the name of a person who is supposed to start a Meerut centre, if possible, and start a paper in Hindi.[39] (3) KALI is the recipient of the letter and is being considered as a potential candidate to go to England to assist with the work of teaching and translation.[40] (4) Kali is a person who is currently on tour, as indicated by the news received by the sender, suggesting that they are traveling.[41] (5) This person is described as being concerned about the sender's departure, implying a close relationship between them.[42]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A contemporary name for the Devi that is derived from the conclusions drawn about her representations in Vedic texts.[43] (2) A fierce goddess in Hindu mythology, often represented with specific headgear like the prabha-jwalas.[44]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A representation of the Kali Yuga, symbolizing chaos and darkness, which does not intimidate the devoted followers of their guru.[45]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Kali is one of the four yugas that make up the caturyuga, and the durations of these four yugas decrease in a specific ratio reflecting the decline of social order.[46]