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Why is Maa Kali's tongue out?

Published in Hindu Goddess Symbolism 3 mins read

Maa Kali's distinctive portrayal with her tongue extended is a powerful and multi-layered symbol in Hindu iconography, embodying various aspects of her divine nature and mythological narratives.

Kali's tongue is depicted protruding for a couple of key reasons, representing both profound mythological events and deeper symbolic meanings related to her fierce energy and transformative power.

Symbolic Interpretations of Kali's Protruding Tongue

The extended tongue of Goddess Kali can be understood through two primary lenses: one representing modesty and shame, and the other her intense, destructive power.

1. Symbol of Modesty and Shame

One of the most widely cited mythological reasons for Kali's extended tongue relates to an incident involving her consort, Lord Shiva.

  • The Mythological Context: During a ferocious battle against powerful demons, Kali became overwhelmingly intoxicated by the blood of her adversaries. In her unstoppable rage, she continued her destructive dance (tandava) even after annihilating all the demons, threatening to destroy the entire cosmos.
  • The Intervention of Shiva: To pacify her and prevent further devastation, Lord Shiva, her husband, lay down among the corpses on the battlefield. When Kali inadvertently stepped on his chest, she immediately recognized him.
  • The Gesture of Shame: At that very moment of realization, her tongue reportedly shot out in a gesture of profound shock, shame, and remorse for having trampled upon her own husband. In Bengali tradition, sticking out the tongue can signify modesty, embarrassment, or humility in the face of an unexpected or inappropriate action. This portrayal captures her moment of self-realization and the immediate cessation of her destructive frenzy.

2. Representation of Bloodlust and Destructive Power

Beyond the narrative of shame, Kali's extended tongue also vividly embodies her fierce and terrifying aspect as the goddess of destruction and time.

  • Devouring Evil: The tongue, often depicted dripping with blood, represents her insatiable hunger for the blood of demons, signifying her role in devouring ego, ignorance, and all forms of negativity that bind humanity. She is the fierce protector who consumes evil to maintain cosmic order and facilitate spiritual liberation.
  • Overcoming Illusion: Her open mouth and extended tongue can also symbolize her power to consume and transcend all limitations, including time and space. She is the ultimate reality that devours all dualities and illusions, leading devotees towards ultimate truth. This imagery underscores her role as a formidable force that cuts through all impediments to spiritual growth.

The combined symbolism makes Maa Kali's extended tongue a potent reminder of her multifaceted nature as both a terrifying destroyer of evil and a compassionate mother who guides her devotees towards liberation through intense transformation.