Page 9 - All India Magazine Nov-2025

Mahakali and Kali

The essential difference
What is the essential difference between the Mahakali form as
described in the Chandi and the Shyama form?

These — Kali, Shyama, etc. — are ordinary forms seen through the
vital; the real Mahakali form whose origin is in the Overmind is
not black or dark or terrible, but golden of colour and full of beau-
ty, even when formidable to the Asuras.
*
Sometimes I see the Mother in the form of Mahakali or as the
Transcendent and Universal Mother. But I see her in a white colour.
I know that Kali is called Shyama because her colour is black, but I
saw white. Why is this?

Mahakali and Kali are not the same, Kali is a lesser form. Mahakali
in the higher planes appears usually with the golden colour.
CWSA 32: 68

Maheshwari's natural place is in the higher consciousness
above mind, for she is the wideness and largeness and wisdom
of the Divine. Mahakali acts most naturally through the higher
vital which is the instrument of force and power. Mahalakshmi
acts through the heart — in your case at present she is acting
through the mind also, though that is less usual — ordinarily it is
Mahasaraswati.
CWSA 32: 66 Sri Aurobindo

Kali war and justice
In the earth atmosphere there is indeed a Kali who deals with
earthly things and is somewhat, one cannot say independent, yet
not quite the expression of Mahakali ; but she is altogether obe-

All India Magazine, November 2025 9