Bhadrakali is a Hindu Goddess who is a fierce form of Goddess Shakti. It is one of the nine forms of the Great Devi. She is the consort of Lord Shiva in his form of Mahakala or Rudra. These forms of Shiva and Shakti represent them as the fierce protectors of the good and terminators of evil. Bhadrakali is worshipped in four main forms: Darukajit, Rurujit, Dakshajit, and Mahishajit. Each of these forms is associated with the killing of a different demon.
Deities of Bhadrakali are represented with three eyes and multiple pairs of hands. In her hands, she wields several weapons and the heads of the demons she slew. In most of her representations, her red tongue is protruding out as if she is threatening all evil. She possesses a fierce aura that is believed to protect and honor good women. Commonly in India, when a woman is angry or mad, people call her Bhadrakali. You may have witnessed any such situation.
Goddess Bhadrakali is worshipped all over India, but mainly in Kerala. Here, you can find hundreds of temples dedicated to the Goddess. It is also said that worshipping the Goddess by performing pooja, you can overcome struggles in life. She will also grant you good fortune and blessings.
Bhadrakali Jayanti Festivals
Bhadrakali Jayanti is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Jyestha (Jeth) month. The celebration date for the year 2020 is 18 May. Like all other festivals in 2020, it has also been impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Gregorian calendar, it falls between the months of May and June. Some states in India, celebrate this festival as Apara Ekadashi while in Orissa, it is Jalakrida Ekadashi.
People believe that wearing blue or black on this day will bring them good luck. Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Kerala celebrate this day with the most enthusiasm. People gather at Bhadrakali temples to witness the sacred bath of the deity with milk, honey, and ghee. After this, She is dressed grandly and is followed by the recitation of mantras which go on till evening.
Dance Associated with the Festival
In Kerala, Theyyam, Vilakku, Thira, Theeyattu, Mudiyettu, Kuthiyottam, Padayani, Poothanumthirayum, Kettukazcha, Alpindi are the forms of dance associated with the worship of Bhadrakali. During the celebrations, you can witness such dances in the temples of Kerala. These dances are ritualistic in nature and are believed to ward off evil. Sometimes, during epidemics or calamities, these dances are performed to seek the protection of the Goddess.
Pathiyanadu Sree Bhadrakali Temple
Located in Kerala, this temple is the most revered temple of the Goddess in India. Apart from Bhadrakali Jayanti, this temple celebrates several festivals of Bhadrakali throughout the year. During Navratri, there is a grand celebration that takes place on all nine days. Each day is dedicated to a different purpose. On the third day, called Swayamwara Parvathi Pooja, girls above 18 visit the temple to ward of all evil before seeking a groom for marriage.
The Trikalyanam, which is the marriage of Bhadrakali, is also performed and thousands gather to witness the ceremony. On the fifth day, called Balithooval, the main priest of the temple, performs a trance-like dance until he falls unconscious. This is to remove the dhosham from the deity and people watching the dance.