Why is Goddess Durga worshipped as Goddess Kali

Some images of Goddess Durga in Her form as Kali depict Her as having 10 heads. This symbolises Her powers as being effective in all 10 directions. 

Goddess Kali’s numerous weapons signify that the Goddess is omnipotent and the demon the Goddess killed, namely Mahishasura, represents the triumph over ignorance.

Left to right: Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Durga, Goddess Saraswati, Kartikeya

Goddess Kali has 2 sons – Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. Lord Ganesha represents wisdom and Kartikeya represents great leadership skills. The Goddess of wealth, Goddess Lakshmi, and the Goddess of learning, Goddess Saraswati, pay homage to Goddess Kali. Thus, by worshipping Goddess Durga in the form of Goddess Kali you are removing your ignorance and becoming wiser, acquiring leadership skills and becoming a learned and wealthy person.

Depiction of Goddess Kali

Goddess Kali is primarily considered to be the destructive avatar (manifestation) of Goddess Durga and therefore is often shown with a garland of skulls & blood spatters. The deity’s dark hued complexion is said to be so due to the future being an unknown aspect (as one could say, “to be in the dark”).

Goddess Kali

Unlike most other heavenly beings, Goddess Kali is not depicted with neatly dressed clothes and hair. Instead, you will always see the Goddess dressed in garments which are a little untidy with the hair unkempt. This is an indication of how busy Goddess Kali always is, always dealing with evil & ignorance in a non-stop manner.