Tantric Art - Kali

Kali is the feminine principle in its wildest and most destructive aspect - a disturbing counterpart to Shiva, the destroyer. Like Shiva, Kali is about more than just wanton devastation - she also signifies regeneration. True birth and renewal requires absolute annihilation of the old. The aspect of us that fears Kali is purely attachment, and the more we cling, the more devastating Kali's force seems to be.

It is said that Kali came to be when the demon Raktabija proved to be more than the other gods could handle. Shiva was deep in meditation, so getting rid of Raktabija fell to Parvati. She transformed herself into the fearsome Kali and frightened the demon so badly that the gods were able to overcome him. As Raktabija's blood flowed, Kali licked it up so it would not fall to the ground and reproduce. Ecstatic because of her victory, Kali danced wildly through the countryside, destroying everything in her path. To halt her rampage, Shiva finally threw himself under her feet (which is where he can be found in many representations of Kali). When she recognized her husband, her uncontrolled outburst came to an end.

According to Hinduism, we are living in Kali Yuga, the times of the end. During Kali Yuga, the world is filled with vice, greed and hostility. Virtues vanish in favor of dishonesty and hatred. At the end of Kali Yuga, the world is destroyed, so a new, pure world can arise.