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Kali |
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Kali is one of the Hindu gods and goddesses,whose history in Hinduism happens to be quite long as well as complex. There are a number of variations in the beliefs of different classes of people, related to Goddess Kali. What is common in almost all the beliefs is that each of the beliefs present Kali to be dark in complexion, and according to the majority of the beliefs, She is terribly violent. The beliefs of the Tantriks are even more interesting, and at the same time, more complex. The Tantriks believe that the role of Goddess Kali is same as that of Brahma, the Ultimate Reality. She is also thought to be the source of all the beings in the universe. There are also other beliefs that regards Kali to be the Bhavatarini who is believed to have redeemed the universe.
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However the devotional movement in the later times depicts Goddess Kali to be a benevolent as well as motherly figure. Most interestingly goddess Kali is believed to be associated with Lord Shiva and also with some other goddesses who are prominent in Hinduism. Some of these goddesses with whom Kali is associated are Tara, Himavanti, Kumari, Meenakshi, Uma, Kamakshi, Chhinnamasta, Chamunda, Rudrani, Sati, Parvati, BhadraKali, Durga and Bhavani. One more belief among the Hindus are that if these names are worshiped repeatedly by someone, he or she will be blessed by Goddess Kali with some special power. Of all the Dasa Mahavidyas, Kali is revered as the foremost one.
The practice of Tantras occupies an important place in Hinduism. Goddess Kali again is the most important goddess, so far as the Tantra is concerned. According to Nirvanana Tantra, the ancient- most Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar were created from the form of Goddess Kali just as bubbles are created in the sea. There are also other practices of Tantra that holds Kali to be the prime deity. Some of these Tantra practices are Niruttara Tantra, Picchila Tantra, Yogini Tantra, Mahanirvana Tantra and Kamaksa Tantra.
In Bengali culture, tradition and even in Bengali literature, goddess Kali has a very important place. Diwali, the day of worshiping Goddess Kali, is celebrated with a great deal of religious fervor and enthusiasm. Hindu God Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi is also worshiped on that day. There are Bengali literateurs who have been famous for the literary works in which they have worshiped Kali. One of these poets are Ramprasad who had written a huge number of 'Shyama Sangeet' that are found to be popular even in these days. The approach of most of the poets are that of a child to its mother. Some of the works of Ramprasad criticizes goddess Kali for her mercilessness that she is believed to be endowed with. Referring to the most popular form of Kali, Ramprasad says that Kali was immensely merciless to have stood on the breast of Her Lord. |
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