The Mythological Story Of Kali Puja
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On October 17, 2022
The Mythological Story Associated With Kali Puja
The image of Goddess Kali is often that of a fearsome and fierce deity. She is believed to have been born from the brow of goddess Durga during one of her fights with the demons. It is believed that, once two demons named Sumbho and Nisumbho plagued both Earth and Heaven.
The gods then prayed to goddess Durga to save them from the atrocities of the two demons. In response to their prayers, goddess Durga created Kali, who went on a killing rampage of the demons with her Khara. She became so engrossed in the war, that she started destroying everything in her sight and even wore a garland of heads of the demons she had killed.
Sensing her wrath, Lord Shiva, the husband of her alternate self Goddess Durga, placed himself in her path on battle ground. In her fury, Goddess Kali stepped on Shiva and the deity realizing her mistake stuck out her tongue in surprise.
In that instant all her fury vanished, but this image of her with her tongue stuck out and Lord Shiva under her feet became her eternal identity. It is believed that kali puja is celebrated to mark this occasion when the goddess lost herself in her thirst for blood and had to be calmed down by none other than Lord Shiva himself.
Given the mythological circumstances of her birth and the fact that she helped eliminate the fear of the demons from the hearts of the gods, Goddess Kali is also known by the name of Kal Bhoi Nashini, which roughly means the destroyer of fear. Within the Bengali community she is also worshiped as the Dark Mother besides which she is also considered the Goddess of Tantrism, or the art of Indian Black magic. However, the main aim of performing Kali Puja is to seek her help in the destruction of evil within and around the individuals!
Wish You All A Happy Kali Puja
TOPICS Bengali communityKai PujaKal Bhoi NashiniMa kaliRaja KrishnachandraTantrism
Love hearing about traditions – there is a comfort in listing to old stories, retold. At times I to see things from a whole new perspectives. Nicely complemented with images. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this informative post. I am sure going to share this one
Wow! That was something! I knew that Indian culture is so diverse yet I’m still so impressed at the vast information I’m learning from different articles. This is such a great one! So informative!
It is great to read about our mythology and the festivals surrounding it. Your post is not only educational but also an encouragement to learn more about our mythology and culture.
It’s fascinating to learn about our mythology and the festivals that surround it.Kali Puja is done to diminish the ego and all negative tendencies that hinder spiritual progress and material prosperity.
It always good to know the in depth details of the festivals you celebrate. Lovely post.
Heard about kali puja, but the story behind it and the reason for the image of the kali are the new information I came to know from your blogpost.
I didn’t know the fascinating story behind that tongue. I always thought it was out of anger since she was on a killing spree. Hope you had a wonderful Diwali and Kali puja.
I like reading about mythological stuff and although I knew this story Samata, i really liked reading your simple yet concise tale. Happy Kali puja to you too… I am a few days too late though😊
Really like the story. Diwali is celebrated by all. I came to know that Bengali people do kali puja. Different traditional, different stories always love to read.
I have lived in Calcutta for a few years and remember the Kali puja there during Diwali. Thanks for sharing more about it. There are so many overlapping festivals during Diwali.
With Kolkata being one of my hometowns, I was aware of Kali puja. But it is always lovely to have a refresher on the different customs and traditions. Excellent piece, Samata.
As a South Indian i did not know the story behind Kali’s tongue though i knew she was a form of Durga. Thanks for the lovely write up….apt timing too.
Goddess Kali is close to my heart. The power of her slaying the demons is inspiring. Once when my daughter was in school, I dressed her as Kali for a Dussehra competition. When she was ready I felt as if Goddess Kali was there in real and I felt like bowing my head to her.
This one I had heard but you know since childhood I have heard different mythos about Kalipuja. I miss it though. I miss bengal.
Being an East Bengali, Kali Puja is an integral part of our lives. Thankfully the heritage is being carried well in Delhi NCR too.
Such a beautiful story. I’ve heard a gist of it before, but not in so much detail
How interesting! I didn’t know this legend. Thanks for sharing!