The day is dedicated to Mahakali or Kali or Bhadrakali form of Goddess Shakti.
In Hinduism, Mahakali holds significant spiritual and
symbolic importance as one of the manifestations of the Divine Mother or
Shakti—the feminine aspect of the Supreme Being. She is often depicted as a
fierce and powerful goddess, symbolizing both destruction and creation. Here
are some key aspects of Mahakali's significance:
Primordial Energy: Mahakali represents the primal energy of
the universe, known as Shakti. She is the source of all creation, preservation,
and destruction in the cosmos. As the embodiment of raw energy, she is beyond
the concept of good or evil.
Destruction of Ego and Ignorance: Mahakali is often depicted
as a fierce warrior, wielding various weapons and adorned with skulls and
severed heads. This imagery symbolizes her role in destroying the ego,
ignorance, and negative tendencies within individuals. Through her grace,
devotees seek liberation from worldly attachments and spiritual enlightenment.
Motherly Protector: Despite her fierce appearance, Mahakali
is regarded as a compassionate motherly figure who fiercely protects her
devotees from harm and evil forces. She is invoked for strength, courage, and
protection in times of adversity.
Goddess of Time: Mahakali is closely associated with the
concept of time (kala). She is often depicted with a garland of severed heads,
symbolizing the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. As time devours
all things, Mahakali reminds devotees of the impermanence of worldly existence
and the need to transcend it.
Tantric Symbolism: In tantric practices, Mahakali represents
the Kundalini Shakti, the dormant spiritual energy coiled at the base of the
spine. Through meditation, rituals, and yoga practices, devotees seek to awaken
this divine energy and ascend towards spiritual enlightenment.
Unity of Opposites: Mahakali embodies the union of
opposites—creation and destruction, life and death, light and darkness. She
signifies the interconnectedness and interdependence of all dualities in the
universe, ultimately leading to the realization of cosmic unity.
Festival Celebrations: Mahakali is worshipped fervently
during festivals like Navaratri and Kali Puja, where devotees offer prayers,
perform rituals, and seek her blessings for spiritual growth and protection.
Bhadrakali temples are widely found in Kerala, here she appeared to annihilate Demon Darika.
Overall, Mahakali's spiritual and symbolic significance in
Hinduism reflects the multifaceted nature of the divine feminine and her
crucial role in the cosmic order. She serves as a reminder of the eternal dance
of creation and destruction that sustains the universe and guides seekers on
the path to self-realization.