Kali Maa as Durga Standing on a Lion

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Embracing the Divine Feminine: Understanding Kali and Her Significance

Goddess Kali is one of the most powerful and revered deities in Hinduism and is worshiped by many people across the globe especially in the eastern part of India. She is considered to be a ferocious form of Goddess Durga and is regarded as the ultimate manifestation of Shakti. Goddess Kali also manifests as the material nature and is regarded as the mother of all living entities in the material world. Just like a caring mother, she protects the living entities who follow the principles of Dharma from demonic persons who always go against the laws of the Supreme Lord.

Having a dark complexion, open hair, and bearing multiple arms holding different weapons, Goddess Kali is often depicted standing on the chest of Lord Shiva, her consort, as she displays her rage toward the demon Raktabij. This pastime is mentioned in various Puranas of Vedic literature in which Goddess Kali severed the head of the demon who was creating havoc on earth. This shows the protective nature of the Goddess. The Vedic scriptures also mention that Goddess Kali is an obedient devotee of the Supreme Lord Krishna or Vishnu who tests living entities on their determination and devotion toward the Lord.

What does Kali symbolize?

Goddess Kali is the manifestation of material nature. She is like a benevolent mother who protects her children from any kind of mishaps and misfortune. Mother Kali considers all living entities her own children and takes care of them. She reforms the forgetful souls who have turned their faces against the Supreme Lord Krishna. Thus, she symbolizes mercy, compassion, and kindness. Although she has a ferocious form, she is actually carrying out the order of the Supreme Lord by utilizing her power against those who blaspheme the Lord and do not abide by His laws.

What is Kali worshiped for?

We can find thousands and lakhs of devotees of Goddess Kali all over the world. She is especially venerated in the festival of Kali Puja in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha. Being a merciful Goddess, she fulfills the desires of her devotees. Some people worship Goddess Kali for some material gains and profits and receive her blessings. However, those who serve her selflessly and approach her to know about the Absolute Truth and the real aim of human life, receive the highest benediction of Goddess Kali. Being a devotee of the Supreme Lord Krishna, she bestows her blessings upon them and guides them to the path of devotion toward the Lord.

The Fierce and Powerful Goddess Durga: Discovering the Symbolism and Significance

Goddess Durga is a revered deity in Hinduism and she is worshiped by many people in the eastern part of India and also in other countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. She is considered the mother of this material world who takes care of the conditioned souls trapped in the material existence. She protects them from the demons who threaten peace and establishes Dharma. In the Shakta tradition or Shaktism (those who believe that feminine energy is supreme), Mother Durga has been given the highest position. She is often considered the expansion of Mother Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva who is the destroyer of the material world. The Vaishnavas consider Mother Durga as the external energy of the Supreme Lord Krishna or Vishnu. She takes charge of the material world and reforms those souls who do not abide by the rules of the Supreme Lord.

Mother Durga is often depicted as a young and beautiful woman, wearing a saree, and sitting on a tiger or lion. She has multiple arms (usually ten arms) that hold different items and weapons that express her martial skills. She tramples down the demon Mahishasura, with her trident, representing the subduer of vices.

What does Durga symbolize?

Being the powerful assistant of the Supreme Lord, Mother Durga tests our dedication to the Lord. She represents the material nature and like a loving mother, she gives a clarion call to all forgetful souls to turn their faces towards Lord Krishna, who is the only well-wisher of all living entities. The depiction of her violently killing the demon Mahishasura with her trident shows her extraordinary prowess. Mahishasura represents our demoniac mentality that wants to enjoy separately from the Supreme Lord, forgetting our eternal relationship with Him. Goddess Durga killing the demon symbolizes the victory of good over evil or wisdom over ignorance.

Where are Durga statues made in Kolkata?

The worship of Goddess Durga is prominent in festivals such as Durga Puja, Durga Ashtami, Navaratri, etc. On those days, people gather at a place and a big idol or deity of Goddess Durga is worshiped with faith and devotion. These idols of the Goddess are made in a place called Kumortuli, located near Kolkata, West Bengal. This city is renowned for its beautiful clay sculptures made by local manufacturers.

How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?

Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.

Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.

• The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.

• To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.

• In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth. 

Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.