Sadhguru says in the cosmic dance of Mahakal and Kali, balance arises when Consciousness intersects perpendicularly with the Energy Domain. The ancient Nigam Tantra of Bengal is the very origin of Trikonmiti, or Trigonometry, revealing that creation begins where energy flows directly from consciousness. This Reverse form is only available in Badu near Madhyamgram Kolkata, Varanasi and Mahakaleshwar Ujjain.
Article | Ujjain | November 16, 1998
Sadhguru: The Mahakal Temple in Madhyamgram, near Kolkata, is an intriguing shrine that houses a rare and remarkable form of Lord Shiva, diverging sharply from the conventional images found in Hindu temples. This temple, though modest in architectural grandeur, stands out due to its unique deity—a four-armed, blue-skinned Mahadev who firmly stands upon the body of the Goddess Dakshina Kali. This distinctive iconography, which portrays Shiva in an unusual stance and colour, reflects profound Tantric symbolism and carries a powerful philosophical message rooted in ancient scriptures.
Unveiling the Unusual Icon of Mahakal
Typically, images of Kali depict her standing atop Lord Shiva, symbolizing the dynamic energy of the goddess in harmony with Shiva, representing consciousness. Though that Kali Idol started from Krishnananda Agambagish. That is not the actual Geometry or Swarupa of Kali. The original form is the below image.
Image Courtesy Avinabh Mukherjee
The reversal, however, where Mahakal (a name synonymous with Shiva) stands with confidence in the goddess herself. He is adorned with a Camphor-like skin (Karpura Garam), reminiscent of divine iconography, symbolizing his cosmic, formless essence as the boundless sky or the vast ocean. His four arms, wielding divine weapons and symbols, evoke an otherworldly aura and are intended to embody his supreme power over both the material and spiritual worlds.
In this instance, the deity’s form reflects the "Nigama" approach of Tantric philosophy, which views the world through a framework of Purusha (the eternal, unchanging consciousness represented by Shiva) and Prakriti (the dynamic, primordial energy of the cosmos embodied by Kali). Here, Shiva as Mahakal is seen as the ultimate controller, with Prakriti (Kali) under his dominion, emphasizing a harmonious cosmic balance. This particular image reinterprets the idea of control and transcendence, where Mahakal, as pure consciousness, governs over Prakriti, showing a unique interaction of male and female energies in their cosmic dance.
In the cosmic dance of Mahakal and Kali, balance arises when Consciousness intersects perpendicularly with the Energy Domain. The ancient Nigam Tantra of Bengal is the very origin of Trikonmiti, or Trigonometry, revealing that creation begins where energy flows directly from consciousness. This Reverse form is only available in Badu near Madhyamgram Kolkata, Varanasi and Mahakaleshwar Ujjain.
The Founder’s Divine Vision
The origin story behind this temple is equally fascinating. It is said that the founder, a devoted Shiva worshiper, began experiencing recurring dreams of this very image of Mahakal, which captivated him and led him to seek the deeper meaning behind these visions. In his dreams, the deity appeared exactly as he does now in the temple—a four-armed Mahadev, deep blue, standing atop Kali. These dreams left the founder spellbound, stirring within him a desire to bring this form of Mahakal into the material world as a temple deity. Motivated by these repeated visions, he eventually set up the Mahakal Temple in Madhyamgram, making this extraordinary form accessible for public worship and reverence.
Since its inception, this deity has attracted not only local devotees but also spiritual seekers and curious minds from far and wide, eager to behold this rare representation of Shiva. The Mahakal Temple in Madhyamgram thus became a sacred place, offering devotees a chance to contemplate the esoteric symbolism of this unique form of Shiva-Kali.
In the rare image of Shiva standing on Kali, we witness the eternal dance of Purusha and Prakriti, where the cosmic mind governs creation itself.
The Rare Worship of this Form
Interestingly, this rare form is found only in two other locations in India: Varanasi (Kashi) and Ujjain. These two cities, steeped in history and spiritual significance, also worship this particular form as per Ancient Bengal's Nigam Tantra in distinct forms. In both Varanasi and Ujjain, This particular form is available, contrasting the presence of both Shiva and Kali in their reversed roles.
Significance of This Temple in Contemporary Spirituality
The Mahakal Temple of Madhyamgram serves as more than just a place of worship. For many, it represents a deeper spiritual significance that transcends conventional beliefs. By worshipping a deity embodying both the powerful force of Mahakal and the subdued energy of Kali, devotees are encouraged to contemplate the union of masculine and feminine energies in the universe. This temple, therefore, becomes a bridge for people to explore the profound layers of Tantric philosophy, which often challenge traditional notions of divinity and gender roles in spirituality.
The unique deity housed in this temple speaks to the timeless balance of cosmic energies and the ancient wisdom embedded in Tantric practices. By presenting a reversed iconography of Kali and Shiva, the temple suggests an equilibrium beyond ordinary comprehension—a dance of consciousness and energy where neither dominates but each complements the other.
The Mahakal’s gaze is an invitation to confront our own shadows, merging light and dark, masculine and feminine, into a singular truth.
Experiencing the Divine at Mahakal Temple
Visiting the Mahakal Temple of Badu Road Madhyamgram is a journey into the depths of Tantric spirituality, where one can experience a unique blend of devotion, mysticism, and philosophical inquiry. For those who seek to deepen their understanding of Shiva and Kali’s cosmic relationship, this temple offers a rare opportunity to reflect on their unity in duality—a theme that runs deep in the Tantric tradition. By presenting this uncommon iconography, the temple challenges visitors to go beyond traditional beliefs and explore the essence of cosmic balance.
Upon witnessing the deity, many devotees describe feeling a surge of spiritual energy, a sense of peace, or even a profound realization of their own journey in the universe. The powerful, contrasting figures of Shiva and Kali serve as a reminder of the vast possibilities of self-transcendence, urging each visitor to embrace the cosmic balance within their own lives.
The Mahakal Temple in Badu Road Madhyamgram, then, is not just a place for worship but a sanctuary of timeless wisdom and transformative spiritual experiences. By presenting an image of divinity that reverses convention, it invites every seeker, every devotee, to embrace the mysteries of existence and the uncharted depths of consciousness. Whether one is a devout follower of Shiva, a Tantric practitioner, or simply a curious soul in search of meaning, the Mahakal Temple stands as a testament to the enduring power of divine love, balance, and universal harmony.
