Katha of Mother Kali – Chapter 5: The Form of Dakshina Kali

The Form of Dakshina Kali

In the previous chapter, Lord Shiva had pacified Mother Kali, but that divine energy had not completely dissolved. She was about to manifest in a new form, a form that would inspire both fear and compassion in the hearts of devotees. Now, listen to the further narrative, how Mother Kali revealed her form as Dakshina Kali.

The Beginning of New Creation After Pralaya (Dissolution)

After the fire of Pralaya subsided, the sky turned a deep blue. A layer of ash had settled, as if the universe had fallen into a deep slumber. Then, piercing that silence, a faint sound was heard – "Hreem". This sound gradually grew, transforming into a roar, and then from that heap of ash, a beam of light emerged. The light was so intense that even the gods were compelled to lower their eyes. From that effulgence, the form of a divine woman appeared – Mother Dakshina Kali. Her complexion was deep blue, as if the infinite sky itself was contained within her body. Her three eyes gazed upon the three times of the universe – past, present, and future. Her unbound hair flowed in the wind, like the waves of Pralaya.

“Mother, what is this divine play? Why is this form so terrifying?” King of Gods, Indra, asked with a trembling voice. Then Mother Kali’s voice echoed, "This is not fear, but the vision of truth. This is both dissolution and creation. He who fears, drowns in darkness, and he who sees with love, attains liberation."

The Confluence of Fear and Compassion

Mother Dakshina Kali wore a garland of skulls around her neck, symbolizing the cycle of death and time. In her hands, she held a sword and a severed head, signifying the destruction of ignorance and ego. However, in one hand, she displayed the Varada Mudra, bestowing fearlessness upon devotees, and in the other, the Abhaya Mudra, symbolizing grace and love. Her face reflected both anger and compassion simultaneously. It seemed as if she was fierce, ready to annihilate the wicked, yet equally eager to embrace her devotees. The entire knowledge of the universe was contained within her eyes, and infinite peace resided in her smile. The gods and sages were stunned by this form. They could not comprehend whether this form held fear or devotion, anger or compassion.

One sage, trembling, said, "Mother, we are terrified by your form. Please tell us how we should worship you?" Mother Kali replied with a smile, "See with love, not with fear. In me lies creation, and in me lies destruction. Offer me what is within you – your faith, your love, your surrender. He who relinquishes his ego will surely receive my grace."

Grace Upon Devotees

By the grace of Mother Dakshina Kali, fear vanished from the hearts of the gods and sages. They bowed to the Mother and began to praise her. The Mother opened her eyes and cast her benevolent gaze upon them. She blessed the devotees and showed them the path of knowledge. She said that she would always be with her devotees, protect them, and guide them towards liberation. She also stated that whoever worships her with a true heart would never experience any kind of fear in their life. After this event, the glory of Dakshina Kali spread far and wide. People understood her form and began to worship her.

With the vision of Mother Dakshina Kali, a new energy was infused. The gods resumed their work of creation, and life began to flow again in the universe. It was the influence of Dakshina Kali's form that paved the way for new creation even after Pralaya. Now, the next question is, by what method is Mother Kali worshipped, and what fruits do devotees receive from her worship?