Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 33
अध्याय ३८ — काली-शंखचूड-युद्धे अस्त्रप्रयोगः
Kālī and Śaṅkhacūḍa: Mantra-Weapons and Surrender in Battle
दानवानां हि क्षतजं सा पपौ कालिका क्षुधा । एतस्मिन्नंतरे तत्र वाग्वभूवाशरीरिणी
dānavānāṃ hi kṣatajaṃ sā papau kālikā kṣudhā | etasminnaṃtare tatra vāgvabhūvāśarīriṇī
Aus Hunger trank Kālikā das Blut, das aus den Wunden der Dānavas floss. Da erhob sich just in diesem Augenblick an jenem Ort eine körperlose Stimme.
Suta Goswami (narrating the battle account to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Umāpati
Shakti Form: Kālī
Role: destructive
FAQs
Kālikā drinking the demons’ blood symbolizes the Divine Power consuming destructive tendencies (tamas and violence) so that adharma cannot multiply; the sudden bodiless voice indicates higher guidance (Īśvara’s will) intervening when the cosmic balance is at stake.
In Shaiva understanding, Saguna Śiva works through Śakti to protect dharma; the ‘bodiless voice’ reflects the transcendent command of Śiva, while the fierce action of Kālikā reflects the immanent power that executes that command—together pointing devotees to the Linga as the unity of Śiva-Śakti.
A practical takeaway is to steady the mind with japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and cultivate inner purity; when confronted by intense negativity, devotees traditionally seek Śiva’s protection through mantra, vibhūti (Tripuṇḍra), and disciplined restraint rather than aggression.