The dusty streets of Kolkata reminded me of the mythological blood spilt by Kali, a woman who compelled Shiva to fall at her feet as a means to save the world from her wrath.
Ancient Bharat’s powerful rakshasas (Demons) Shumbh and Nishumbh prevailed along heaven, earth and the nether lands- Hell. The infamous boon of immortality was bestowed upon them from Brahma, the creator himself wherein no deity, demon or man could kill them, it is unfortunate that they underestimated the wrath of a woman.
After hell broke loose in the three worlds, in utter desperation, the gods fell at the feet of Parvati, Shiva’s better half and the most cogent of all women.
The Halahala (deadliest poison in the world) that was once consumed by Shiva which had risen from the churning of the ocean was used by Parvati to turn into the most fearsome form the world had known, Kali.
The austerity of her penance was indeed a bolt from the blue for not only the gods but also the demons. “Kali”, they screeched, “She who is death herself, cannot be touched by the wheel of time, she devours all things including it.”
As this living embodiment of feminine energy trampled upon the servants of the two demons, they felt a unique blend of attraction and horror at this misgiving entity.
“Kali is beyond duality, she knows no good, she knows no bad. She sees no innocent, she sees no guilt, she devours all who call upon her and those who do not.” While Shiva mentions this to the gods around him, they realised that along with slaying the demons, she had also begun man slaughtering the heavens! Kali had begun to lust for blood. This made her hunt for any and every living organism, including the gods themselves.
“The energy that Kali encompassed was now out of hand, the power that she commanded was now controlling her”, said Shiva. In a fit of despair, he lay in front of her path and as soon as her right foot touched his chest, she gained awareness of how she was about to destroy the world; if it was not for her husband, the world would succumb to her fury.
P.S Diwali in Kolkata is a unique experience for India travellers and travellers from India. The city is known for its ancient traditions and rich cultural heritage. One of the most interesting traditions is the celebration of Diwali, which is also known as the festival of lights. During this festival, the streets of Kolkata are filled with lights and decorations, making it a perfect time for travel to India. In addition to the Diwali celebrations, Kolkata offers many other opportunities for travel from India and travels in India. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the city is a great destination for travel to and from India. To truly experience the culture and traditions of India, a trip to Kolkata during Diwali is a must for any traveler looking to travel to India.
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