2-999-920 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Kali Conquers Raktabija, 1775-1800. Devi, the Great Goddess of the Hindu traditions, embodies power and energy ("shakti"), using her strength to defeat demons. The demon Raktabija, however, presented a special challenge. Every time a drop ("bija," "seed") of his blood ("rakta") fell to the ground, a clone of the demon arose. Devi - seen here riding her lion, energetically wielding weapons in her many arms - created a fearsome emanation of herself, the emaciated goddess Kali. As Kali lapped up Raktabija's blood, she was able to defeat him.