Uma

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

in Hindu mythology, one of the principal names of the consort of the god Siva. She is also usually designated under the name of Kali, Durga, Devî, Pârvatî, Bhavânî, etc. The myths relating to this goddess, who is worshiped in various parts of India-particularly, however, in Bengal-are met with in the great epic poems and Purânas, in poetical works, such as the "Kumarasambhava," and in modern popular compositions; but the text-book of her worshipers is the "Devimâhâtmya," or "the majesty of Devi"-a celebrated portion of the "Markandeya Purana," considered to be of special holiness by the worshipers of this goddess, and in which are narrated the martial feats of the goddess. The latter consisted chiefly in the destruction by her of two demons, Madhu and Kaitabha, who had endangered the existence of the god Brahman; the demon Mahisha, or Mahishasura, who having conquered all the gods, had expelled them from heaven; moreover, in her defeating the army of Chadna and Munda, two demon servants of Sumbha and Nisumbha. She is often r represented holding the severed head of Chanda in her hand, with the heads of his soldiers formed into a garland suspended from her neck, and their hands wreathed into a covering round her loins-the only covering she has in the image constructed for the pûja. The worship of Kali (the Black), to which the narrative (of her victory over Chanda and Munda) has given rise, is considered by the Hindus themselves as embodying the principle of "tamas," or darkness. She is represented as delighting in the slaughter of her foes, though capable of kindlier feeling to her friends. She is, however, styled the Black Goddess of Terror, frequenting cemeteries, and presiding over terrible sprites, fond of bloody sacrifices; and her worship taking place in the darkest night of the month.