Kapal means skull. Kapalini is one who is the “skull bearer”. Divine Mother wears a garland of skulls around Her neck and is called Kapalini. Kapalini also means one who is the consort of Kapali, meaning Shiva. One of the most pivotal instincts of a mother is protection. This instinct is visible in every feminine form be that an animal or human. Even a small mother bird assumes a fierce form and attacks the one who seems to be threatening to the young chicks. To check the onslaught of demons and to protect Her righteous kids, Mother Divine descends in the form of Kapalini.

She is the maestro of the battlefield, accomplished to wield weapons of all kinds. Once She starts severing the heads of the demons She doesn’t stop till She is convinced that there is no more who can harm Her devotees. She does this out of Her pure love and with no expectation. The garland of skulls that She wears depict the number of Asuras She has slayed ever since the dice of time has been rolling, even before than that. Her form is fierce but to prevent Her devotees, Her children from getting intimidated by Her brutal form, She wears all the skulls just like any other ornament.

The skulls of the garland also represent ego. Ego veils one’s true nature and keeps it hidden. It keeps one tied to the vicious circle of worldly affairs and creates a web that is hard to escape. Ego prevents one from staying innocent. The grip of ego is way too strong which even ancient sages with years and years of penance have confessed. It pulls you down everytime it raises its head and averts one’s spiritual progress. It is only with the grace of Divine Mother that one surrenders the ego at Her Lotus Feet. She then takes the skull denoting ego, puts it in Her garland and sets one free. In doing so She blesses the surrenderer with ultimate wisdom. So, Kapalini is the one who is ever liberating.

Salutations to the One who prefers to be Kapalini!