In the Tantra Purana, the goddess Kali is described in many forms. According to the Toral Tantra, Kali has nine manifestations: Dakshina Kali, Krishna Kali, Siddha Kali, Shri Kali, Bhadra Kali, Chamunda Kali, Smashan Kali, Maha Kali, and Akali. In the Mahakala Samhita, under the section called Anusmriti Prakarana, there is also mention of these nine forms of Kali. There too, the nature of Akali —or Guhya Kali—is explained. According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, she is one of the great powers (Mahashakti) who emerged from the body of the goddess Shatakshi. Some spiritual practitioners worship Kali in this form, though for householders, this form of the goddess remains concealed. The form of Akali is extremely terrifying. She holds a snake and a sword in her two hands. Her complexion is like a dark cloud. Around her neck hangs a garland of fifty human heads. She wears a short black garment around her waist. Across her shoulder lies a sacred thread made of serpents; on her head are...