Ritual of Kali Puja

Tantras describe a terrifying, blood thirsty and energetic goddess who was the center of all power (sakti). Adepts believe that the power of the goddess could only be experienced through invoking her by a combination of ritual action and the recitation of texts.

In this painting, we see a tribal representation of Kali. Black as the night she wears a garland of severed heads. Her three eyes govern the three forces of the past present and future. Her white teeth are symbolic of sattva; the tongue is red, indicative of rajas; body is black i.e. tamas, inertia. Kali has four hands: a left hand holds a severed head, indicating annihilation of evil power; another left hand carries the sword of physical extermination, with which she cuts the threads of bondage.

In the foreground, in front of her image lie a host of things required in the ritual to appease the goddess. Fresh fruits, sandalwood paste, incense sticks, a bell – all things that please all the five senses.

The theme is oft painted but the artist has let go of reins where colour was concerned. He has used three different colours in Kali's body alone. His desire to use as many colours has been fulfilled by the presence of articles in the foreground. All Kinds of patterns also find place in the pillars and the niche.