Bhadrakali (IAST: Bhadrakālī; lit. 'auspicious Kali' ) is a Hindu goddess. She is considered to be the auspicious and fortunate form of Adi Shakti who protects the good, known as Bhadra. In Vaishnavism, Bhadrakali is among the many epithets of Yogamaya, the internal potency of illusion of the preserver deity, Vishnu. In Shaivism, she accompanies Virabhadra, a form of Shiva, as manifestations of Shiva's wrath.

Etymology

The name Bhadra comes from Sanskrit. In Sanskrit, "bhadra" means "auspicious" or "fortunate". Another interpretation traces the name to the Sanskrit root word (Beeja akshara) "bha" and "dra". The letter "bha" signifies "delusion" or "maya", while "dra" is used as a superlative meaning "the most" or "the greatest". Together, "bhadra" may mean "maha maya" or "great delusion".

Forms

According to Tantra Rahasya, the feminine form of the divine (devi) arose from the north face of Shiva, which is blue and with three eyes.

Worship

According to Kerala traditions, the events described in the Markandeya Purana associated with Bhadrakali (her slaying of the demon Darika to liberate the universe from evil) took place in Kerala, near Madayi in the Kannur District. She is seen to protect the honour of women and to bestow all spiritual knowledge.

Other legends

According to legends, the Sanskrit poet Kalidasa is believed to have gained mental consciousness due to the divine will of Bhadrakali.