Feature Writer: C Elizabeth Beauregard, Hindu born in Christian family
Feature Title: Is Kali Ma a Goddess or a Demon?
Link: QUORA / 25.08.2019 / Is Kali Ma a Goddess or a Demon?
Is Kali Ma a Goddess or a Demon?
I am assuming you mean no disrespect to the Supreme Goddess and is just confused about words due to failed or confusing translations. In English, a “Goddess” is a (Pagan) deity depicted and conceived of as female. For example, Diana of the Hunt.
A “demon” is an evil spirit or devil, especially one thought to possess a person or act as a tormentor in hell. For example, this fella from China. Hinduism is a bit more nuanced. The Goddesses are forms of Adi Parashakti, who is the Supreme Being. In Srimad Devi Bhagwat Purana’s 1st book and 4th chapter. Devi addressed Trimurti as follows:
I am Adi Parashakti. I am the owner of this universe. I am the Absolute Reality. I am dynamic in feminine form and static in masculine form. You have appeared to govern the universe through my energy. You are the masculine form of Absolute Reality, while I am the feminine form of that Reality. I am beyond form, beyond everything, and all the powers of God are contained within me. You must know that I am the Eternal limitless energy.
There are asuras, who are constantly at battle with the devas (Gods and Goddesses/those feminine and masculine forms as described above). The asura are sometimes considered to be similar to how I defined demons before, but are not the same. Because … there are also Yakshas, or nature spirits. And, rakshasas, which are like ghouls or demons. For example, Hiranyaksha who was destroyed by Vishnu’s boar avatar: All of these are Kali Ma. What you are missing is that this fierce form, this powerful figure. She is the most loving and compassionate, the kindest of all of the Goddesses of Hinduism. Jai Ma Guru!