Gods and goddesses in Hinduism can have both gentle and fierce forms. Thus, we have deities like Bhairava, a fierce form of Shiva, Narasimha, a ferocious form of Vishnu, and Bhadrakali, a fierce form of Adi Parashakti or Supreme Goddess Shakti, around whom the Shakthi or Mother Goddess cult developed.
There are references to Bhadrakali in the Devi Mahatmyam. To devotees of Vishnu or Vaishnavites, she is a form of Yogamaya, who represents the inner power of the illusion of Vishnu. The Puranas regard her as a form of Goddess Parvati.
To devotees in Kerala, she is Bhagavati, Chamunda, Mahakali, Sree Kurumba, and Kariam Kali Murti. She is regarded as the auspicious form of Mahakali, who offers protection to the virtuous.
‘Bhadra’ is the Sanskrit word for ‘auspicious.’ As per another interpretation, 'Bha' denotes ‘Maya’ (delusion), while 'dra' is a superlative ('the most/greatest, etc.'). Hence, Bhadrakali also means Maha Maya.
Maya refers to illusion. One can gain freedom from Maha Maya by worshipping Bhadrakali. The chopped head she holds in her hand represents this fact. The head and the sickle indicate that Bhadrakali liberates us from our ego (the chopped head).
Devotees celebrate her birthday as Bhadrakali Jayanti on the 11th day of Krishna Paksha in Jyeshtha month. They believe that fasting and worshipping Bhadrakali on this auspicious day can remove all their problems. According to Hindu mythology, the Goddess appeared on this day with Shiva’s hair after the death of his wife Sati.
Bhadrakali Jayanti is an important festival for the Aryan Saraswat Brahmin community. It is celebrated grandly in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir.
Bhadrakali Jayanti 2025 Date
In 2025, Bhadrakali Jayanti is on May 23. It is also called Bhadrakali Ekadashi. Ekadashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Jyeshtha month begins at 1:12 AM on 23 May and ends at 10:29 PM the same day. This is the best time to perform Bhadrakali Pooja. Mantras are recited to please the Goddess and invoke her blessings. It is also the custom to visit Kali temples and offer prayers in the evening.
Iconography
Bhadrakali is depicted with 3 eyes and 4, 16, or 18 hands. In her hands are different weapons. Flames emanate from her head and a small tusk is seen protruding from her mouth. She wears a garland of skulls on her neck, and her tongue is blood-stained. A crown adorns her head. In some portrayals, she stands on Shiva, who lies supine on the ground. She is worshipped by devotees of the Dasa Mahavidyas and followers of the Tantric tradition of the Matrikas.
Bhadrakali has four main forms: Darikajit (killer of the demon Darika), Dakshajit (slayer of Daksha), Rurujit (slayer of the demon Ruru), and Mahishajit (killer of the demon Mahishasura).
Attributes of Bhadrakali
Bhadrakali is a fearsome goddess who has a fright-inducing appearance. She can be very cruel toward people who go against Dharma. However, she is benevolent and compassionate to the virtuous. She also protects them like a mother from all harm.
Interesting Facts about Bhadrakali
∙ The Rajputs used to worship Bhadrakali before they went to war.
∙ She is linked to black magic practices.
∙ Tamils call her Mahalaya Bhagavati or Mahalaya Bhadrakali. She protects people who belong to all castes and faiths.
∙ She is the guardian deity of people who practice Kerala’s famous martial arts form, Kalaripayattu.
∙ The renowned poet Kalidasa acquired his poetic gifts due to her grace.
∙ King Vikramaditya and his brother Bhatti were great devotees of the goddess. Supposedly, their success was due to her blessings.
Bhadrakali Jayanti Pooja Vidhi
Awake early in the morning and worship Bhadrakali.
∙ Wear black or blue-colored clothes on this day, as it is very auspicious.
∙ Sit facing the north direction in the Pooja room.
∙ Place a wooden platform in front of you.
∙ Sprinkle some Ganga jal on the platform
∙ Spread a blue cloth on the platform.
∙ Keep an idol of Durga or Bhadrakali on the platform.
∙ Hydrate the idol with water, milk, sugar, honey, and ghee.
∙ Offering coconut water is also auspicious.
∙ Put a tilak of vermilion/Kumkum on the idol.
∙ Once the Pooja is complete, recite Durga Kavach, Durga Chalisa, and Durga Aarti.
∙ Offer prayers at a Kali temple in the evening. Take part in the temple rituals.
Significance of Bhadrakali Jayanti
The Nilayam Purana talks about the greatness of Bhadrakali Jayanti. The belief is that by worshipping Goddess Kali on this day, one can get rid of all obstacles in life. It can also remove planetary Doshas. When Tuesday and Revathi Nakshatra fall on this day, it is very auspicious. Kumbh Mela also falls on Bhadrakali Jayanti. There are many renowned Bhadrakali temples in Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Benefits of Celebrating Bhadrakali Jayanti
∙ It can remove hurdles in life.
∙ It protects one from negative energies.
∙ It neutralizes Graha Doshas.
∙ It can grant 11 wishes, as the day falls on Krishna Paksha Ekadasi.
∙ It grants good health, good fortune, and success.
∙ It shields one from evil eyes and black magic.
∙ It offers relief from serious diseases.
∙ It grants Moksha and guides people to find the right path.
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