image of Kalika

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In connection with the topic that was discussed some time ago:

 

"At any rate, it is clear that when the Tantrasara was compiled

(Tantrasara of Krishnananda is meant, it was written around 1590) Kali

was shown copulating with Shiva. Subsequently, the image was modified

for the sake of propriety and the Goddess was made to stand militantly

on her husband following the puranic descriptions... In some parts of

West Bengal, such as Navadvipa, images displaying the sexual act are

worshipped during the festival known as ShaktirAsa (an obvious

influence of the vaishnava rAsa festival), and the Goddess is called

ShavAshivA. In the temple at Podamatla (Nadia district) Kali is seated

on Shiva and is known as Bhavatarini".

 

("Hindu religion and iconology according to the Tantrasara",

Pratapaditya Pal, Los Angeles 1981, pp. 63-64).

 

A.