Kalipuja, the great festival of Kali, the Hindu Dark Mother goddess, is today. Her mantra goes:
Maha Kali aum jaya.
Translated as "Victory to great Kali," it is repeated over and over again by worshippers on this day. Worship is performed by standing or sitting in front of a statue or picture of Kali, and moving a small oil lamp in the air in front of you. With the lamp write the word aum in Sanskrit, while chanting her mantra over and over. You can make an oil lamp by twisting a bit of cotton into a wick, and placing it in a small heatproof bowl. Pout a little olive oil on it, and light it. Pictures of Kali and calligraphic versions of Hindu chants are available on the Internet, or in any store with imported items from India. |