Acharya Karan V – Lord Shiva’s consort, Mata Parvati has many manifestations, one of the popular being Goddess Durga or Devi who is considered to be an annihilator of evil. Bhadrakali is another form of Devi venerated in the Southern part of India.

Bhadra is derived from Sanskrit meaning good or sober. The word Bhadra is also interpreted in a different way, having a fusion of two words “Bha” and “Dra”, the former being “illusion” or “Maya” and the latter meaning “superior” or “Maha”. When combined, Bhadra refers to Mahamaya, popularizing Kali as BhadraKali or Mahamaya Kali in Hinduism.

As per the legends, this Goddess is represented as having three eyes with many hands, carrying various kinds of weapons, having a flame emitting from her head, with a small tusk jutting out of her mouth. There are many legends prevalent about her incarnations. In one version, she is believed to be born from Devi Shakti as the latter was battling with the Asur Raktbeej. In another version, she got incarnated when Devi got infuriated at Lord Shiva’s insult at the hands of king Daksha.

Bhadrakali is also considered to be born out of Lord Shiva’s Trinetra (Third Eye) as he got angry with the demon king Daruka’s atrocities. On Lord Shiva’s request, Goddess slayed Daruka and presented his severed head to Lord Shiva. In southern states of India, especially Kerala, BhadraKali is the one who bestows lots of good will and a sense of protection upon her devotees. In Tantrik cult, she is also worshipped with lot of reverence.

In Kerala, the Bhadrakali temples attract millions of her devotees seeking the blessing of the goddess. With the following incantation, the devotees hope to have a boon of security and salvation from the Goddess.

“Kali kali Maha Kali, Kalike Parameshwari,
Sarva Anand Karo, Devi Narayani Namostute”

In the other part of South India, like Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Bhadrakali is venerated as “Ujjaini Mahakali”. Practitioners of traditional martial arts form worship Bhadrakali as a protector of their well-being. Certain communities worship Goddess as a Clan Deity or Isht Devi or Kul Devi. They worship weapons believed to be used by Bhadrakali during her battles.