Kali

In Hindu mythology, the goddess of destruction and creation. She is the wife of Shiva. Kali feeds herself on blood, but produces life and destroys ignorance. She shows Hindus that death is an illusion, not to be feared, but another aspect of eternal life.

Kali is usually depicted with four arms, but sometimes has up to ten, signifying her greater-than-human power. The left hands hold a sword, or swords, and the head of a demon, while the hands on the right offer blessing and protection to worshippers. She is black, and may be shown young or old. Her tongue hangs out, dripping with blood. She wears a necklace of skulls round her neck and a belt of severed hands.

Kali is often shown standing on Shiva, who is lying below her feet. Hindus believe that she becomes so angry and bloodthirsty while she is killing demons that Shiva, afraid that she will destroy the whole world, throws himself at her feet to bring her to her senses. When Kali sees what she is doing, she stops, horrified. This popular representation of Kali also demonstrates the two aspects of the one divine absolute: Shiva's passivity and Kali's frenzied activity.