The Temples Of North-East India
Major Sections
Temples Of India

KALI MA OF CULCUTTA
The Prime seat of Sakteism

THE ORIGIN OF NAME

There is an interesting anecdote in Kalikapurana narrating about her dark colour. It is said that when Sati was born in her next birth to Himavan, she was dark complexioned and was endearingly called Shyama and Kali too by the parents. After marriage with Maheswar, he once addressed endearingly as Kali in the presence of gods. Taking it as an insult, she did penance and got a boor to turn Gauri with her Lord's blessings. She is moreover, Balipriya and tamasikahari: yet she proved extremely solicitous and immensely generous to her discriminating devotees, who see in her Adya sakti, the ultimate giver of liberation from the cycle of births and deaths, when they enjoy infinite bliss in worshipping her. And they popularised the cult through-song and Upasana that demonstrate her superhuman powers.

Chandidas, a devout Sakteya sang in praise of Sri Krishna and his sports at the instance of Mother Kali. Bengal gradually became a great Saktipitha, as numerous branches sprang up through out the length and breadth of the undivided Bengal. In every village, town and city, Kali is worshipped with unparalleled ardour, and she is held as the chief deity of the Bengal. In the undivided Bengal different manifestations of Kali such as Tripura Meher Kali, Vikrampur Sourang Kali, Jayadev Samaskhan Kali, Bagura Kalyaneswar, Birbhumi Bringapur Kali, Ambika - Durga Mayee, Siddheswari, Maider Kali and Tamluk Bharghavi, and these are a few among many existing and have been receiving worship regularly. 

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About Kali Ma of Culcutta
Introduction.Pg1
Introduction.Pg2
The Seat Of Kali Ma.Pg1
The Seat Of Kali Ma.Pg2
The Sakthi Upasana......Pg1
The Sakthi Upasana......Pg2
Sources
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The Emergence...Pg1
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You are Here! The Origin Of Name.Pg1
The Origin Of Name.Pg2
The Temple
Pujas And Festivals