Kali: In Praise of the Goddess

Abstract

The Hindu goddess Kali, often depicted in horrific form, has generally been portrayed as an image of the Terrible Mother in Western psychology. In India, though, Kali, as a manifestation of the divine feminine, is mainly seen as savior and protector. This article examines the myth of Kali as portrayed in the Devimahatmyam, the 2,500-year-old religious text translated as “In Praise of the Goddess,” wherein Kali is engaged in the epic battle to save the gods. The article includes historical and philosophical background and applies a symbolic understanding of the story to clinical understanding and practice.