The story of Krishnakali, famous in eastern parts of India, especially, in Bengal is associated with Goddess Radha Rani. This combined incarnation of Goddess Kali and Krishna speaks volumes about the worship of Hinduism which is always based on individual freedom and interpretation.
Story Of Krishnakali
Jatila and Kutila were the mother-in-law and sister-in-law
of Radharani’s husband, Ayan Ghosh. They always tried to keep Krishna away from
Radha. Sometimes they scolded Krishna; at other times they called him by all
sorts of unpleasant names.
One day, Ayan Ghosh went to the market to buy a cow. After
choosing a fine cow, he returned home to fetch some coins so he could buy it
later that afternoon. In his absence, however, Krishna had spread a rumour that
he was about to visit Radha in the disguise of Ayan Ghosh. Hearing this, Jatila
and Kutila armed themselves with sticks and waited at the entrance to the
village. They were determined to ensure that the disguised Krishna would not
even glance at Radha.
Therefore, when Ayan Ghosh arrived, Jatila and Kutila
mistook him for Krishna in disguise and tried to drive him out. No matter how
much he explained that he had only returned home briefly to collect money for
buying a cow, they refused to believe him. Helpless, Ayan Ghosh was forced to
flee.
From the other direction, Krishna now truly arrived in the disguise of Ayan Ghosh. Seeing him, the hearts of Jatila and Kutila melted with affection. They embraced him and narrated the entire incident—how Krishna had supposedly come disguised as Ayan and how they had driven “him” away.
Krishna, still disguised as Ayan, told them that Radharani
needed to worship the auspicious goddess Mangaladevi. For this, she must fast
and go to the temple at night, offering prayers throughout the night. Following
his advice, Jatila and Kutila sent Radha to the Mangaladevi temple to pray all
night.
Meanwhile, when Ayan Ghosh returned home, everything became
clear. Jatila and Kutila realized that the man they had mistaken for Krishna
was actually the real Ayan, and the one who had advised them to send Radha to
the temple was Krishna in disguise.
Understanding all this, Jatila and Kutila ordered Ayan to
follow Radha into the forest. Ayan had no doubts about Radha’s purity, for he
believed she was an embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi. In his previous birth,
through intense devotion, he had obtained Lakshmi herself as his wife. Still,
under the pressure of Jatila and Kutila, he followed Radha into the forest.
They too followed behind him.
Radharani herself was unaware of all this, but Krishna knew
everything. He asked Radha to bring him some flowers as an offering. When Radha
returned with the flowers and placed them at Krishna’s feet, Ayan Ghosh arrived
at that very moment.
But Ayan witnessed a wondrous sight. He did not see Krishna
at all. Instead, he saw Radha absorbed in the worship of a goddess—and before
her stood Mahamaya herself, Mother Kali. The primordial cosmic power had
manifested before him, and his wife Radhika was offering flowers at her feet.
Yogamaya - Krishna - Kali
Yogamaya, the divine power, always resides with Krishna as
his energy-form. Through this divine play of Maya, Krishna had assumed the form
of Kali. Krishna merged into Kali to create this unique form—Krishnakali. She
is worshipped by both Shakta and Vaiṣṇava traditions. Near Jatila and Kutila’s
house in Yavata, a Krishnakali temple still stands to commemorate this event.
Besides that, there are countless Krishnakali temples across the country.
The annual worship of the goddess is performed on the
Krishna Chaturdashi (fourteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight) of the month
of Magha, also known as Ratanti Chaturdashi. Additionally, in places where she
has a temple, daily worship is offered.
Form Of Krishna - Kali
According to the Krishnakali meditation mantra, the goddess
is four-armed, dark-complexioned, adorned with a tall crown. In her right hands
she holds a conch and a skull bowl, youthful and radiant. In her left hands she
holds a sword and a discus, and she wears a garland of severed heads. She is
worshipped by the gopis and adorned with various ornaments. This eternal
goddess, the embodiment of Brahman, grants the four aims of life. She destroys
poverty and sorrow and bestows liberation. Devotees believe that all suffering,
misfortune, and hardship vanish through her worship.
