Ma Kali at Kalighat & Dakshineswar --- a beginner's understanding
The forms of Ma Kali at Kalighat and Ma Kali at Dakshineswar are both revered in Bengal but differ significantly in iconography, mood (bhava), and worship style . Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand their spiritual and symbolic distinctions: π Ma Kali at Kalighat (Kalighat Kali Temple, Kolkata) π± Iconography and Form Known as "Kalighat Kali" or "Kalika" . Fierce and wild form of Kali. Tongue is long and red , extended outside. Eyes are large and aggressive . Three eyes, four arms. She holds a khadga (sword) and a severed head , with the other two hands in abhaya and varada mudra (blessing and fear-not gestures). Her idol is made of touchstone (kashti pathar) and is not a traditional murti —it's a unique depiction, flat and stylized. Adorned with gold and silver decorations , but no clothes , only garlands (typical of Tantric tradition). π Spiritual Mood Represents Tamasic aspect (destruction of e...