Kali
Goddess of Time & Destruction
The fiercest form of Shakti. Destroyer of evil, liberator of souls. Worshipped as Bhadrakali across Telangana with great fervor.
- Sanskrit/Telugu name: కాళి
- Also known as: Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Chamundi
- Weapons: Khadgam, Trishulam
- Symbols: Dark skin, Tongue out, Kapala mala, Standing on Shiva
Story
Kali emerged from Durga's forehead during battle when the demons kept regenerating from their own raktam. She went into a killing frenzy, drinking the demons' blood before it could touch the ground. She became so intoxicated that she couldn't stop. Only when Shiva lay down in her path and she stepped on him did she stop, sticking out her tongue in shock. In Telangana, Bhadrakali worship is deeply rooted - Bhadrakali temples exist in nearly every town. The Bhadrakali temple in Warangal and Mahankali temple in Secunderabad (Lashkar Bonalu) are centers of intense devotion. Bonalu festival, unique to Telangana, is a celebration of the Mother Goddess in her fierce Kali/Mahankali form with processions, potharaju dancing, and bonam offerings.
Fun fact
Bonalu - Telangana's most distinct festival - is dedicated to Mahankali. Women carry bonam (decorated pots of cooked rice) to the temple. The Lashkar Bonalu at Secunderabad's Ujjaini Mahankali temple is legendary.