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
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
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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]

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]

  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.