Performed on the night of Kartik Amavasya, which
falls in October/November, Kali Puja is an intense invocation to the fearsome
goddess. The main purpose of the puja is to seek the help of the goddess in destroying
evil - both in the outside world and within us.
The legend goes that
long ago the demons, Shambhu and Nishambhu, disturbed the peace of Indra, the
king of gods, and his empire (heaven). After extensive and endless battles, the
gods lost all hope and the demons became stronger.
The gods took refuge
in the Himalayas, the holy mountains, the home of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The
shaken gods sought protection from Mahamaya Durga, the goddess of Shakti.
Kali was born from Durga's forehead as Kal Bhoi Nashini, created to save heaven
and earth from the growing cruelty of the demons. Along with Dakini and Jogini,
her two escorts, she set on her way to end the war and kill the devils.
There was chaos all around. After slaughtering the demons, Kali made a garland
of their heads and wore it around her neck. In the bloodbath, she lost control
and started killing anyone who came her way. The gods started running for their
lives. The only source of protection seemed Lord Shiva, Durga's consort.
Seeing the endless slaughter, Shiva devised a plan to save the world. He lay down
in the path of the rampaging Kali. When the goddess unknowingly stepped on him,
she regained her senses. The well-known picture of Ma Kali, with her tongue hanging
out, actually depicts the moment when she steps on the Lord and repents.
That momentous day is celebrated ever since. Kali, also called Shyama Kali, is
the first of the 10 avatars (incarnations) of Durga. Kali Puja is performed essentially
to seek protection against drought and war, for general happiness, health, wealth,
and peace. It is a tantrik puja and performed only at midnight on Amavasya (new
moon night) in November
Click here to learn about
Devi Durga
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