The dark, naked Kali stands with unbound and disheveled hair. She wears a garland of Skulls, a girdle of human hands all still soaked in blood. The artist probably found the nakedness of Kali too discomfiting and therefore has adorned her with exquisite jewelry, besides a fancy crown. She stands on Shiva's chest, holds in her hand a blood stained scythe and a freshly cut human head; the blood dripping from the male head is collected in a cranium of a skull. In her right hand she holds Shiva's attribute, the trident. Kali's face is shown in profile; the blood shot eyes looking fearsome and the tongue is outstretched and smeared with blood.
The corpse of Shiva lies on the ground even as he still holds the drum and the trident. Snakes abound on his body. The scene is that of a cremation ground with bones and skulls scattered around; the smoke rising from the burning pyres; in fact the environment looks as fearful as the form of Kali herself.
This description by Kiranjyot.
Of Related Interest:
Folk Paintings from Orissa
Kali in Art
Articles on Goddess Kali
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist