Kali

Kali (/ˈkɑːli/; Kālī, Sanskrit: काली), also known as Kalika (Kālikā, Sanskrit: कालिका), is a Hindu goddess and one of the many forms of goddess Chandi. Kali's earliest appearance is that of a destroyer of evil forces. Over time, she has been worshipped by devotional movements and Tantric sects variously as the Divine Mother, Mother of the Universe, Adi Shakti. Some Shakta Hindu and Tantric sects, particularly ones who follow the Kalikula system, additionally worship her as the ultimate reality or Brahman. She is also seen as divine protector and the one who bestows moksha, or liberation. Kali is one of the ten Mahavidyas, a group of Tantric goddesses.

Kali is often portrayed standing or dancing on her consort, the Hindu god Shiva, who lies calm and prostrate beneath her. Kali is worshipped by Hindus throughout India.