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All Glories to Divine Mother!
I offer my obeisance to Maa Kalika. She is the unwavering foundation that removes darkness of any kind. Maa Kalika’s manifestation finds mention in many religious texts. Chapter five of Durga Saptashati speaks about how Maa Kalika appeared, beautifully expressed by Rishi Markandeya. Drunk with their power and pride, two asuras Shumbha and Nishumbha ousted the Devas from heaven and compelled them to live the life of commoners. They seized the rights of the Devas like Indra, Varuna, Agni, Surya which were exercised for the welfare of people. Instead the Shumbha and Nishumbha started encroachment of these rights to feed their ego. Dejected, the Devas remembered that the Devi had promised them after killing Mahishasura that She will come to their help whenever they are in trouble.
Seeking ultimate refuge in the Divine Mother the Devas went to the Himalayas to call out to Her ardently. While they were praising the Mother, Goddess Parvati, who was going for Her ablution in the Ganges, passed them by. In Her sweet voice She asked the Devas whom were they singing praises for? At that instance a Shakti emerged from Her body and assumed a female form. She said that the crestfallen Devas are calling Her out for help to save them from the clutches of Shumbha and Nishumbha. The Devi that emerged from Goddess Parvati was Devi Ambika upon which the body of Parvati Devi, also known as Gauri Devi turned black like kohl. Thus manifested Maa Kalika who then made Her abode in the Himalayas. She later assisted Devi Ambika in Her battle with the two asuras.
Maa Kalika is the embodiment of Dharma. Whenever the atrocities of the demons increase and Dharma takes a downslide, Maa Kalika is the supreme refuge. She comes for the establishment of righteousness and Her Khadaga sweeps the land clear off the armies of asuras. Asuras tremble at the mere sight of Her form and Her ways in the battlefield are unconventionally brutal. Once She starts chopping the heads it is almost impossible to stop Her. Only Her Lord Mahadeva has the power to pacify Her.
Maa Kalika annihilates negative energy be it in the form of demons or internal created by the mind. When one surrenders to Her, She liberates one from all negative inclinations and bondages and upholds Dharma. She is fierce but She is gentle. Her eyes are red but full of compassion. She knows what is best for Her devotees. All She needs is a fervent cry and She comes to the rescue. She is loving. She is kind. She is THE MOTHER.
Salutations to the One who prefers to be Kalika!