Kali Puja is reverence of Kali – a divine, fearless avatar of Adi Shakti Durga! She is known to have been born from Devi Durga’s forehead and is a deity of empowerment. Kali means two things – the one who represents the eternal time itself and the one who is black. It is because of this that she is the Goddess of Time, Power, Creation as well as Destruction. She is the consort of Lord Shiva who is also known as Kaal. Hence, she is Kaal’s Kali. Worshipping her is a common practice across India, especially in West Bengal and certain parts of South India.

Kali Puja is also known as Shyama Puja. Praying to Devi Kali is not easy. The prayers have to be carried out with unwavering faith and complete devotion. Praying to her for the fulfillment of unethical needs draws her wrath. Kali is also known as the mighty slayer. She has slain many a demons like Rakhtabeeja, Shumbh and Nishumbh. But all her battles are against negativities and negative forces. Worshipping Devi Kali helps one get rid of negative energies like ego, anger, jealousy, etc. that prove to be an obstacle in achieving material and/or spiritual growth.

Like Devi Durga, Devi Kaali is also worshipped on various occasions. The most common occasion is the Kartika Amavasya that falls in the month of October-November. It generally coincides with the main night of Diwali i.e. the Laxmi Puja night. In many regions, it is celebrated one day prior on Kali Chaudas.

Quite a few believers also pray to Devi Kali during the Navratris that precede Diwali. People who are suffering from the malefic effects of Shani i.e. Saturn should definitely pray to Devi Kali on Kali Chaudas – that is a day after Dhantrayodashi. One can perform the Dus Maha Vidya MahaKali Puja to free themselves from the clutches of negativity.

Steps

Sarva Mangal Maangalye, Shive Sarvarth Saadhike,
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute
Om Jayanti Mangala Kali BhadraKali Kapaalini,
Durga Shiva Kshamadhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute.
Kali Gayatri Mantra
Om Maha Kalyai Ca Vidmahe Smasana Vasinyai Ca Dhimahi Tanno Kali Prachodayat

Praying to Kali Maata invokes her blessings and one is benefited by