A tale of saving the world

We may see the idol of Goddess Kali and wonder why she is standing on top of Lord Shiva with her tongue sticking out.

Once, the world was threatened by the Asuras (demons) who rallied together to overthrow the gods and gain control of the earth. The leader of this uprising was Raktabija, the demon general. Through the practice of austerities, Raktabija was granted a boon by Brahma, allowing his power to increase by a thousand every time a drop of his blood was spilled.

The demon soldiers, led by Raktabija, ravaged the earth, and the gods, desperate for a solution, turned to their Shakti (female energy) counterparts. Goddess Durga stepped forward, armed with the weapons of the gods, riding into battle on a tiger. She switched forms many times during the battle, slaying demon soldiers until only the demon general remained.

In the battle between Raktabija and Devi, Durga charged repeatedly, causing Raktabija’s blood to spill everywhere. From each drop of blood, a thousand more demons like him sprang up. The goddess became enraged, concentrating her fury, and from this concentration emerged Kali, the Terrible One.

Kali, the mighty aspect of Goddess Durga, appeared terrifying, with black skin, blood-red eyes, and a third eye flaming on her forehead. Armed with a skull-topped staff, a noose, and the sword of Vengeance, Kali unleashed her power on the demon armies. Her furious gaze and petrifying shriek caused demons to fall lifeless, and she consumed some with her claw-like hands. She advanced on her enemies, swallowing elephants and their riders and horse-drawn chariots.

With the demon armies destroyed, Kali faced Raktabija. She pierced him, caught the flowing blood with her tongue, and drank it greedily, preventing him from raising more demons. Drunken with the blood of victory, Kali threw away the demon-general’s corpse, saving the world.

However, Kali continued her victory dance, and as she danced, the demon corpses turned to mush. The gods, fearing another catastrophe, begged Shiva to intervene. Shiva attempted to communicate with Kali, but she was in a fevered trance. Desperate, Shiva threw himself down beneath her feet.

Kali, realising it was her husband beneath her, snapped out of her trance, and the world was once more saved from destruction. Shiva’s selfless act balanced the destructive dance of Kali. With the world safe again, the gods returned to their regular routines.