Shri Kalika Purana in English

Kalika Purana is an important Hindu religious text which describes the worship of Goddess Kalika (Maa Kali), tantric methods and Shakti sadhana in particular. Like Markandeya Purana, the greatness of the goddess has been discussed in detail in this. Markandeya Muni is the main speaker of this Purana. The form of many stories in this Purana is different from the stories found in tradition.

Read here in one click ~ Kalika Puran in Hindi

It is considered one of the 18 Upapuranas and it is mainly a Purana of Shakti sect. It describes in detail the glory of Goddess Kalika, her origin, form, pastimes, and worship methods. This Purana is popular in the eastern parts of India, especially in Assam and is also considered to be related to Kamakhya Devi Temple.

Kalika Purana holds an important place among the Devi Puranas. Kalika Puran mainly describes tantric sadhana, yajna, fast, worship, and the forms, powers, and greatness of Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva, Kamakhya Devi and other gods and goddesses. It also discusses special tantric methods and sacrifices in the worship of the goddess, which makes it different from other Puranas.

Whether or not it is a Shakti-related Mahapurana among the Mahapuranas, Kalika Purana is definitely an important Shakta Upapurana among the Upapuranas. This Purana describes Devi Mahatmya and is considered a part of Devi Bhagavat. The fifth Skanda of Devi Bhagavat Mahapuran is called Kalika Purana. This Purana has two main names: (1) Kalika Purana (2) Kali Purana.

Kalika Purana currently has 90 chapters. The first part of the text is dominated by the character of the goddess, while the second part is dominated by tantric worship along with Kamakhya Mahatmya. The first half is dominated by penance, while the second half is dominated by worship and sacrifice. On this basis, some scholars consider Kalika Puran up to 45 chapters to be the original Purana and the second half to be an interpolated section.

Read here in one click ~ Durga Saptashati Patha

In the present invocation of Kalika Purana, Vishnu’s prayer and Vishnu’s persuasion to Shiva to pacify the angry Shiva have been depicted by Vishnu supporters, but the entire Purana is a characterization of Shiva and his family. The description of gods and goddesses in the first part of the text and the rituals associated with them in the second part also complement each other. Therefore, on the above grounds, it does not seem appropriate to believe that there are two versions of Kalika Purana.

Kalika Puran is especially popular in Northeast India, especially Assam, where the Kamakhya temple is located. This text is a source of guidance for those sadhaks and worshippers who practice Tantric sadhana and are interested in the worship of Shakti (Durga, Kali etc.).