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While many Hindu festivals go back to ancient times, Kali Puja does not stand true. However, there are mentions of an annual festival dedicated to Goddess Kali in the 17th Century devotional text known as “Kalika Mangal Kavya,” written by Balram. Kali killed Raktabija was chopping off his head with a sword and drinking all his blood. Kali made sure that not a single drop of his blood fell to the ground. There is also a third version of the birth of Goddess Kali. All the Devas pleaded with Devi Parvati to deal with the troublesome demon.
She guides us from the deepest darkness and helps us to reach the highest light of life. The Gods combined all their energy to create a super being in the form of Kali. She had all the divine weapons and swallowed the demons as a whole, thereby not spilling any blood in the process.
Kali Puja Activities
Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped in every house on Diwali 2022. Although worshiping Kali every day is auspicious, but Maa Kali is very pleased with the worship done on the night of Diwali. Kali Puja 2022 is also known as other name in some states like Shyama Puja and Mahanisha Puja. Mata Kali is also a form of Adishakti Maa Durga who has incarnated to destroy the wicked and demons.
Kali puja then involves invoking the 10 directions and the Eight Mothers -- manifestations of Kali -- as guides. As devotees name each Mother, they place a red flower in the triangle, going in a clockwise direction. After invoking the four elements, worshipers perform breathing exercises and chant mantras that call Kali forth. Once connected to the goddess, devotees chant mantras honoring Kali.
Astadhatu Made Maha Kali Puja Idol/Maha Kali Messing Idol/Kali MATA Bhadrakali Messing Idol (
Gradually, Kali Puja became one of the biggest festivals in Bengal and Assam. Goddess Kali is regarded as the Supreme Mother of the Universe. She possesses yogic powers that belong to higher consciousness beyond the dualities of mind and even the body’s urges. There are several versions of how Kali came into existence. According to one version, it is stated that when Goddess Durga fought with Mahisasura, she became immensely enraged.
For that, they use red color hibiscus flowers, red vermillion, skull, blood, and animal sacrifice. This is carried at midnight till dawn to achieve Tantrik Siddhi . This festival is celebrated similarly as Durga Puja and seeks grand attention with crafting huge idols, podiums and flower decorations. Communal grounds are decorated with Kali idols and people offer the prayer together and receive Prasad which is Khichdi, Labra/, and some vegetables.
Kali Puja Derivation
It even carries images of Saint Ramakrishna and Bamakhepa, who were famous Kali devotees. It was Raja Krishnachandra of Navadvipa who introduced Kali Puja in Bengal during the 18th Century. It was further popularized in the 19th Century by Krishnachandra’s grandson Ishvarchandra. Bengali elite gentry such as wealthy landowners further popularized the festival in Bengal on a grand scale.
In some areas, she retains the status of a tribal goddess — protecting people and specific regions. To others, she’s the mother of universal strength or represents divine fury. Regardless of multiple depictions, Kali’s many forms indicate her transformative power. Goddess Kali finds a special place in the hearts of the Bengalis, Assamese, and Odia in India. Kali Puja is their version of Diwali, traditionally the more Pan-Indian festival. Kali puja requires preparation of a devotee's mind and spirit.
Kali Puja für dich
This version states that Kali appeared when Goddess Parvati shed her dark skin. It gave birth to Kali or Kaushika , while Parvati is left as Gauri . Once born, Kali, the Black Goddess, went wild with anger and ate all the demons that she came across. Girdle of Slaughtered heads – Shows that Karma is the deed and her blessings by incising Karma cycle. White Teeth and Red tongue – White teeth is a form of inner purity and red tongue depicts her undiscriminating nature. A battle took place between King Indira and the devils in which gods were defeated.
If one looks at statues depicting her likeness, it’s easy to see why. Kali wears a garland containing the heads of decapitated demons with one foot on Lord Shiva’s chest. It’s an awe-inspiring, terrifying sight and a story with great mythological significance. Finally, you’ll end Puja by lighting camphor and performing aarti. Homes and pandals also worship Goddess Kali in the mainstream Hindu style, wherein no animals are sacrificed. She is only offered food, sweets, rice, lentils, and fruits.
As a result, the Devas suffered immensely at the hands of the demons. So, all the Devas approached Goddess Durga and requested to save them. In regions such as West Bengal and Odisha, devotees worship Goddess Kali on the auspicious day of Kali Puja. It is held on the new moon day in the Hindu month of Kartika. Kali represents the “Yoga Shakti” and helps devotees attain their true self or the union of atman with Paramatma. Moreover, the Kundalini Shakti works with the magical powers of Goddess Kali.
First, you’ll clean the place and idols by sprinkling few drops of water. Use a separate cloth to wipe the idols and later on, apply Kumkum to idols. Usually, every home will have a separate place to perform Puja or you can choose a place where there is less distraction.
So, worshiping Goddess Kali ushers in a real change of consciousness. She blesses us with a divine life of peace and fills our hearts with eternal joy and bliss. Kali is hailed as the warrior Goddess and removes all the illusions of the mind; she guides devotees on the path of the divine source of existence. Finally, Kali’s birth is related to the terrible demon Raktabija (blood-seed). This demon was causing great trouble to people and Gods alike.
She dissolves all the chakras and helps devotees to attain unity with the Universal Consciousness. Parvati jumped down Shiva’s throat and combined with the poison that was held in his throat. Then Kali leaped from Shiva’s throat and got rid of the demon Daruka and restored peace in the world. She adorns a necklace of heads, a skirt of arms, a lolling tongue, and holds a knife dripping with blood. She destroys evil and egoism and fights for justice; she is regarded as the more aggressive form of Durga. After demolishing devils she went impetuous and lost control over her and started killing humans.
Concluding Stages of Kali Puja
Kali Puja celebrations gained popularity in West Bengal as recently as the 19th century. King Krishnachandra of Navadvipa spearheaded the movement, along with wealthy landowners in Bengal. Although ordinary folk went along with it initially to avoid the king’s wrath, the practice slowly became a tradition.
However, in some years, Kali Puja is celebrated one day before Diwali Puja. Kali Puja is a popular Hindu festival that is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is mainly celebrated in the Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. Usually, pandals have images of Lord Shiva along with sculptures of Goddess Kali. Scenes from Hindu mythology are vividly portrayed in these pandals.