Washington Kali Temple

Kali, also known as Dakshina Kālikā (Sanskrit: कालिका), is a Hindu goddess, who is considered to be the master of death, time and change. She is also said to be the Parvati, that is the supreme of all powers, or the ultimate reality. Kali’s earliest appearance is when she emerged from Lord Shiva. She is the ultimate manifestation of Shakti and the mother of all living beings. She destroys the evil in order to protect the innocent. Over time, Kali has been worshipped by devotional movements and tantric sects variously as the Divine Mother, Mother of the Universe, Adi Shakti, or Parvati. Shakta Hindu and Tantric sects additionally worship her as the ultimate reality or Brahman. She is also seen as the divine protector and the one who bestows moksha or liberation.