Bhadrakali Jayanti is the day Goddess Bhadrakali manifested. The goddess is the nemesis of all evil forces. People worship her for protection against negative energies, malefic entities, evil eyes, and black magic. She can also bring relief from terminal diseases, Graha Doshas, and other problems. Worshipping her on this day is considered very beneficial.
As per the Hindu calendar or Panchang, Bhadrakali Jayanti falls on the Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha in Jyeshtha month (May-June). It is also called Apara Ekadashi in some places and Jalakrida Ekadashi in Odisha. Bhadrakali Jayanti is a very popular festival in Kerala, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir.
When is Bhadrakali Jayanti 2025?
In 2025, Bhadrakali Jayanti will be celebrated on 23 May. Hindu mythology claims that on this day, the goddess emerged from a lock of Lord Shiva’s hair, which he threw down in a rage after hearing about his wife Sati’s self-immolation in Daksha’s (Sati’s father) Yagna fire. This fierce form of Goddess Shakti incarnated to slay all demons and restore Earth’s balance.
Bhadrakali Jayanti 2025 Muhurat
The Ekadashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Jyeshtha month begins at 1:12 AM on 23 May and ends at 10:29 PM the same day. This is the right time to perform Bhadrakali Pooja.
Why Is Bhadrakali Jayanti Celebrated?
Hindus celebrate Bhadrakali Jayanti as Goddess Kali has the power to remove their sufferings, protect them from harm, and grant their wishes. The day of Ekadashi is usually dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu. But, on Apara Ekadashi in Jyeshtha month, devotees also keep a fast and worship Bhadrakali. Her worship can also heal diseases, nullify Graha (planetary) doshas, and repel evil eye and black magic.
Significance of Bhadrakali Jayanti
The importance of Bhadrakali Jayanti finds mention in the ‘Nilmat Purana’ or ‘Vitasta Mahatmya’. Worshipping the goddess on this day helps devotees overcome the obstacles in their lives. It can resolve problems in one’s horoscope, like Graha Dosha. It can also fulfill eleven desires, as the day coincides with Krishna Paksha Ekadashi. It is more auspicious if the festival falls on a Tuesday or during the Revati Nakshatra. If it is on the same day as ‘Kumbh Mela,’ it is even more significant.
Those who do Adharma or evil acts must fear Bhadrakali for her vengeance is terrible. But she is compassionate toward the righteous and protects her devotees like a mother. Worshipping her can liberate us from illusions and delusions. It can also remove our ego.
The Legend behind Bhadrakali’s Origin
Once, two Asura women got a boon from Lord Brahma. As per the boon, they gave birth to two powerful sons called Danvendra and Darika. They too, got a boon from Brahma by which they could not be killed by gods, demons, or men. Another boon gave them immense strength. Emboldened by these boons, they defeated the gods and took control of heaven. To seek help for the gods, Sage Narada approached Lord Shiva. On hearing of the demons’ evil acts, Shiva opened his third eye and Goddess Bhadrakali emerged from it. She was so ferocious that even the gods were afraid of her.
She had a jet-black body and 3 eyes. Her mouth was like a huge cave and two long and sharp teeth protruded from it. She had long black hair and many arms holding various weapons. She killed both the demons and restored order. But even after killing them, her rage was unabated. She arrived in Kailash with Darika’s severed head in her left hand. To calm her down, her father Shiva danced naked before her and worshipped her. This pleased her and she became calm. Shiva also granted her a boon that people would worship her.
Another legend says that Bhadrakali is a form of Goddess Paravati and the consort of Rudra, an avatar of Shiva. The Vayu Purana says that Parvati took the form of Maha Maya Bhadrakali to complement Shiva’s power when he took the form of Veerabhadra after Sati self-immolated in Daksha’s Yagna.
Rituals of Bhadrakali Jayanti
Devotees awake early in the morning. After completing their morning rituals, they wear black clothes, which are considered auspicious on this day.
Then they place the idol of Bhadrakali in the worship area and bathe it with water, milk, sugar, honey, and ghee, called ‘Panchamrita Abhishek.’
After the Abishekam, they clothe the idol in fine clothes. Some offer coconut water to the Goddess, which is also believed to be auspicious. After this, Chandan Pooja and Bilva Pooja are performed.
The main worship starts at noon. Devotees chant Devi Mantras to please the goddess and invoke her blessings. In the evening, they visit Kali temples and take part in the Pooj and other rituals.
Some Interesting Tidbits on Bhadrakali
· The Rajputs, who were warriors, were known to worship Bhadrakali before they went to war.
· She is associated with black magic practices.
· In Tamil Nadu, she is called Mahalaya Bhagavati or Mahalaya Bhadrakali. Her protection covers people of all castes and faiths.
· She is the guardian deity of those who practice Kalaripayattu.
· The famous poet Kalidasa became a poet due to her grace.
· King Vikramaditya and his brother Bhatti, who were great devotees of the goddess, gained wealth and success due to her grace.
· She is worshipped in 4 forms – Darukajit (killer of the demon, Darika), Dakshajit (slayer of Daksha), slayer of demon Ruru, and Mahajit (slayer of Mahishasura).
Benefits of Observing Bhadrakali Jayanti
Celebrating Bhadrakali Jayanti brings many blessings and benefits. They include:
Relief from the effects of Graha Doshas in the horoscope.
Protection from malefic forces.
Grants 11 wishes.
Bestows success, good health, and good fortune.
Removal of obstacles in life.
Relief from financial problems and sufferings.
Protection against black magic and evil eyes.
Bestows relief from fatal diseases.
Grants Moksha and wisdom.