Shri Kalika Ashtakam
Introduction to Shri Kalika Ashtakam
The Shri Kalika Ashtakam beginning with "Galadraktamundavali-kanthamala" is a powerful eight-verse hymn dedicated to Goddess Kalika (Kali), the fierce and powerful form of the Divine Mother. Kalika, the dark goddess adorned with a garland of skulls, represents the supreme force that destroys ignorance, ego, and all forms of evil, liberating devoted souls from the endless cycle of birth and death.
This ashtakam invokes the terrifying yet compassionate aspects of Goddess Kali — the destroyer of demons, the liberator of souls, and the bestower of fearlessness. Each verse paints a vivid portrait of her cosmic power, from her blood-stained sword that cuts through illusion to her tender mercy that cradles her children in eternal protection.
Reciting the Kalika Ashtakam with sincere devotion invokes the fierce grace of the Divine Mother, annihilating all inner and outer enemies. It is especially powerful for those seeking liberation from fear, bondage, and the dark forces of ignorance that veil the true nature of the Self.
Watch Shri Kalika Ashtakam
Shri Kalika Ashtakam: Sanskrit, English & Tamil Verses
॥ श्री कालिकाष्टकम् ॥
गलद्रक्तमुण्डावलीकण्ठमाला
महोघोररावा सुदंष्ट्रा कराला।
विवस्त्रा श्मशानालया मुक्तकेशी
महाकालकामाकुला कालिकेयम्॥1॥
भुजे वामयुग्मे शिरोऽसिं दधाना
वरं दक्षयुग्मेऽभयं वै तथैव।
सुमध्याऽपि तुङ्गस्तनाभारनम्रा
लसद्रक्तसृक्कद्वया सुस्मितास्या॥2॥
शवद्वन्द्वकर्णावतंसा सुकेशी
लसत्प्रेतपाणिं प्रयुक्तैककाञ्ची।
शवाकारमञ्चाधिरूढा शिवाभिश्-
चतुर्दिक्षुशब्दायमानाऽभिरेजे॥3॥
विरञ्च्यादिदेवास्त्रयस्ते गुणांस्त्रीन्
समाराध्य कालीं प्रधाना बभूबुः।
अनादिं सुरादिं मखादिं भवादिं
स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥4॥
जगन्मोहनीयं तु वाग्वादिनीयं
सुहृत्पोषिणीशत्रुसंहारणीयम्।
वचस्तम्भनीयं किमुच्चाटनीयं
स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥5॥
इयं स्वर्गदात्री पुनः कल्पवल्ली
मनोजांस्तु कामान् यथार्थं प्रकुर्यात्।
तथा ते कृतार्था भवन्तीति नित्यं-
स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥6॥
सुरापानमत्ता सुभक्तानुरक्ता
लसत्पूतचित्ते सदाविर्भवत्ते।
जपध्यानपूजासुधाधौतपङ्का
स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥7॥
चिदानन्दकन्दं हसन् मन्दमन्दं
शरच्चन्द्रकोटिप्रभापुञ्जबिम्बम्।
मुनीनां कवीनां हृदि द्योतयन्तं
स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥8॥
महामेघकाली सुरक्तापि शुभ्रा
कदाचिद् विचित्राकृतिर्योगमाया।
न बाला न वृद्धा न कामातुरापि
स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥9॥
क्षमस्वापराधं महागुप्तभावं
मयालोकमध्ये प्रकाशिकृतं यत्।
तव ध्यानपूतेन चापल्यभावात्
स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥10॥
यदि ध्यानयुक्तं पठेद् यो मनुष्यस्
तदासर्वलोके विशालो भवेच्च।
गृहे चाष्टसिद्धिर्मृते चापि मुक्तिः
स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥11॥
॥ इति श्रीमच्छङ्कराचार्यविरचितं श्रीकालिकाष्टकं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
॥ Shri Kalikashtakam ॥
Galadraktamundavalikantthamalaa
Mahoghorarrava Sudanshtra Karala।
Vivastra Shmashanalaya Muktakeshi
Mahakaalakaamakula Kalikeyam॥1॥
Bhuje Vamayugme Shirosim Dadhana
Varam Dakshayugmebhayam Vai Tathaiva।
Sumadhyapi Tungastanabharanamra
Lasadraktasrukdwaya Susmitasya॥2॥
Shavadwandwakarnavatamsa Sukeshi
Lasatpretapanim Prayuktaikakanchee।
Shawakaramanchadhiroodha Shivabhih-
Chaturdikshushabdayamanabhireje॥3॥
Viranchyadidevastrayaste Gunamstreen
Samaradhya Kalim Pradhana Babhubuh।
Anadim Suradim Makhadim Bhavadim
Swaroopam Twadeeyam Na Vindanti Devah॥4॥
Jaganmohaneeyam Tu Vagvadineeyam
Suhrutposhinee-Shatrusamharaneeyam।
Vachastambhaneeyam Kimuchchataneeyam
Swaroopam Twadeeyam Na Vindanti Devah॥5॥
Iyam Swargadatri Punah Kalpavalli
Manojamstu Kamaan Yathartham Prakuryaat।
Tatha Te Kritartha Bhavantiti Nityam-
Swaroopam Twadeeyam Na Vindanti Devah॥6॥
Surapanamatta Subhaktanurakta
Lasatpootachitte Sadavirbhavatte।
Japadhyanapujasudhaadhautapankaa
Swaroopam Twadeeyam Na Vindanti Devah॥7॥
Chidanandakandam Hasan Mandamandam
Sharachchandrakotiprabhaapunjbimbam।
Muneenam Kaveenam Hrudi Dyotayantam
Swaroopam Twadeeyam Na Vindanti Devah॥8॥
Mahameghakali Suraktapi Shubhra
Kadachid Vichitraakrutir-Yogamaya।
Na Bala Na Vruddha Na Kamaturapi
Swaroopam Twadeeyam Na Vindanti Devah॥9॥
Kshmaswaparadham Mahaguptabhavam
Mayalokamadhye Prakashikrutam Yat।
Tava Dhyanapootena Chapalyabhavat
Swaroopam Twadeeyam Na Vindanti Devah॥10॥
Yadi Dhyanayuktam Pathed Yo Manushyas
Tadasarvaloke Vishalo Bhavechchha।
Gruhe Chashtasiddhir-Mrute Chapi Muktih
Swaroopam Twadeeyam Na Vindanti Devah॥11॥
॥ Iti Shrimachchhankaracharyavirachitam Shrikalikashtakam Sampoornam ॥
॥ ஶ்ரீ காலிகாஷ்டகம் ॥
கலத்ரக்தமுண்டாவலீகண்டமாலாமஹோகோரராவா ஸுதம்ஷ்ட்ரா கராலா।
விவஸ்த்ரா ஶ்மஶானாலயா முக்தகேஶீமஹாகாலகாமாகுலா காலிகேயம்॥1॥
புஜே வாமயுக்மே ஶிரோ(அ)ஸிம் ததானாவரம் தக்ஷயுக்மே(அ)பயம் வை ததைவ।
ஸுமத்யா(அ)பி துங்கஸ்தநாபாரனம்ராலஸத்ரக்தஸ்ருக்கத்வயா ஸுஸ்மிதாஸ்யா॥2॥
ஶவத்வந்த்வகர்ணாவதம்ஸா ஸுகேஶீலஸத்ப்ரேதபாணிம் ப்ரயுக்தைககாஞ்சீ।
ஶவாகாரமஞ்சாதிரூடா ஶிவாபிஶ்-சதுர்திக்ஷுஶப்தாயமானா(அ)பிரேஜே॥3॥
விரஞ்ச்யாதிதேவாஸ்த்ரயஸ்தே குணாம்ஸ்த்ரீன்ஸமாராத்ய காலீம் ப்ரதானா பபூபுः।
அநாதிம் ஸுராதிம் மகாதிம் பவாதிம்ஸ்வரூபம் த்வதீயம் ந விந்தந்தி தேவாः॥4॥
ஜகன்மோஹனீயம் து வாக்வாதினீயம்ஸுஹ்ருத்போஷிணீஶத்ருஸம்ஹாரணீயம்।
வசஸ்தம்பனீயம் கிமுச்சாடனீயம்ஸ்வரூபம் த்வதீயம் ந விந்தந்தி தேவாः॥5॥
இயம் ஸ்வர்கதாத்ரீ புனः கல்பவல்லீமனோஜாம்ஸ்து காமான் யதார்தம் ப்ரகுர்யாத்।
ததா தே க்ருதார்தா பவந்தீதி நித்யம்-ஸ்வரூபம் த்வதீயம் ந விந்தந்தி தேவாः॥6॥
ஸுராபானமத்தா ஸுபக்தானுரக்தாலஸத்பூதசித்தே ஸதாவிர்பவத்தே।
ஜபத்யானபூஜாஸுதாதௌதபங்காஸ்வரூபம் த்வதீயம் ந விந்தந்தி தேவாः॥7॥
சிதானந்தகந்தம் ஹஸன் மந்தமந்தம்ஶரச்சந்த்ரகோடிப்ரபாபுஞ்ஜபிம்பம்।
முனீனாம் கவீனாம் ஹ்ருதி த்யோதயந்தம்ஸ்வரூபம் த்வதீயம் ந விந்தந்தி தேவாः॥8॥
மஹாமேககாலீ ஸுரக்தாபி ஶுப்ராகதாசித் விசித்ராக்ருதிர்யோகமாயா।
ந பாலா ந வ்ருத்தா ந காமாதுராபிஸ்வரூபம் த்வதீயம் ந விந்தந்தி தேவாः॥9॥
க்ஷமஸ்வாபராதம் மஹாகுப்தபாவம் மயாலோகமத்யே ப்ரகாஶிக்ருதம் யத்।
தவ த்யானபூதேன சாபல்யபாவாத்ஸ்வரூபம் த்வதீயம் ந விந்தந்தி தேவாः॥10॥
யதி த்யானயுக்தம் படேத் யோ மனுஷ்யஸ்ததாஸர்வலோகே விஶாலோ பவேச்ச।
க்ருஹே சாஷ்டஸித்திர்ம்ருதே சாபி முக்திःஸ்வரூபம் த்வதீயம் ந விந்தந்தி தேவாः॥11॥
॥ இதி ஶ்ரீமச்சங்கராசார்யவிரசிதம் ஶ்ரீகாலிகாஷ்டகம் ஸம்பூர்ணம் ॥
॥ శ్రీ కాలికాష్టకం ॥
గలద్రక్తముండావలీకంఠమాలామహోఘోరరావా సుదంష్ట్రా కరాలా।
వివస్త్రా శ్మశానాలయా ముక్తకేశీమహాకాలకామాకులా కాలికేయం॥1॥
భుజే వామయుగ్మే శిరోఽసిం దధానావరం దక్షయుగ్మేఽభయం వై తథైవ।
సుమధ్యాఽపి తుంగస్తనాభారనమ్రాలసద్రక్తసృక్కద్వయా సుస్మితాస్యా॥2॥
శవద్వంద్వకర్ణావతంసా సుకేశీలసత్ప్రేతపాణిం ప్రయుక్తైకకాంచీ।
శవాకారమంచాధిరూఢా శివాభిశ్-చతుర్దిక్షుశబ్దాయమానాఽభిరేజే॥3॥
విరంచ్యాదిదేవాస్త్రయస్తే గుణాంస్త్రీన్సమారాధ్య కాలీం ప్రధానా బభూబుః।
అనాదిం సురాదిం మఖాదిం భవాదింస్వరూపం త్వదీయం న విందంతి దేవాః॥4॥
జగన్మోహనీయం తు వాగ్వాదినీయంసుహృత్పోషిణీశత్రుసంహారణీయం।
వచస్తంభనీయం కిముచ్చాటనీయంస్వరూపం త్వదీయం న విందంతి దేవాః॥5॥
ఇయం స్వర్గదాత్రీ పునః కల్పవల్లీమనోజాంస్తు కామాన్ యథార్థం ప్రకుర్యాత్।
తథా తే కృతార్థా భవంతీతి నిత్యం-స్వరూపం త్వదీయం న విందంతి దేవాః॥6॥
సురాపానమత్తా సుభక్తానురక్తాలసత్పూతచిత్తే సదావిర్భవత్తే।
జపధ్యానపూజాసుధాధౌతపంకాస్వరూపం త్వదీయం న విందంతి దేవాః॥7॥
చిదానందకందం హసన్ మందమందంశరచ్చంద్రకోటిప్రభాపుంజబింబం।
మునీనాం కవీనాం హృది ద్యోతయంతంస్వరూపం త్వదీయం న విందంతి దేవాః॥8॥
మహామేఘకాలీ సురక్తాపి శుభ్రాకదాచిద్ విచిత్రాకృతిర్యోగమాయా।
న బాలా న వృద్ధా న కామాతురాపిస్వరూపం త్వదీయం న విందంతి దేవాః॥9॥
క్షమస్వాపరాధం మహాగుప్తభావం మయాలోకమధ్యే ప్రకాశికృతం యత్।
తవ ధ్యానపూతేన చాపల్యభావాత్స్వరూపం త్వదీయం న విందంతి దేవాః॥10॥
యది ధ్యానయుక్తం పఠేద్ యో మనుష్యస్తదాసర్వలోకే విశాలో భవేచ్చ।
గృహే చాష్టసిద్ధిర్మృతే చాపి ముక్తిఃస్వరూపం త్వదీయం న విందంతి దేవాః॥11॥
॥ ఇతి శ్రీమచ్ఛంకరాచార్యవిరచితం శ్రీకాలికాష్టకం సంపూర్ణం ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shri Kalika Ashtakam
1 First Verse
गलद्रक्तमुण्डावलीकण्ठमाला महोघोररावा सुदंष्ट्रा कराला।
विवस्त्रा श्मशानालया मुक्तकेशी महाकालकामाकुला कालिकेयम्॥
विवस्त्रा श्मशानालया मुक्तकेशी महाकालकामाकुला कालिकेयम्॥
Word Meanings: गलद्रक्तमुण्डावली = garland of severed heads dripping with blood; कण्ठमाला = necklace around the throat; महोघोररावा = with terrifyingly loud roars; सुदंष्ट्रा = with prominent fangs; कराला = fierce/terrible; विवस्त्रा = unclothed; श्मशानालया = dwelling in the cremation ground; मुक्तकेशी = with loose, flowing hair; महाकालकामाकुला = filled with passionate love for Mahakala (Shiva); कालिकेयम् = this is Kalika
Translation: This is Kalika — She who wears a garland of severed heads dripping with blood around Her neck, who roars with terrifyingly loud sounds, who has fearsome fangs, who is unclothed, who dwells in the cremation grounds, whose hair flows freely, and who is filled with passionate love for Mahakala (Lord Shiva).
2 Second Verse
भुजे वामयुग्मे शिरोऽसिं दधाना वरं दक्षयुग्मेऽभयं वै तथैव।
सुमध्याऽपि तुङ्गस्तनाभारनम्रा लसद्रक्तसृक्कद्वया सुस्मितास्या॥
सुमध्याऽपि तुङ्गस्तनाभारनम्रा लसद्रक्तसृक्कद्वया सुस्मितास्या॥
Word Meanings: भुजे वामयुग्मे = in the pair of left hands; शिरः = a severed head; असिं = sword; दधाना = holding; वरं = boon-granting gesture; दक्षयुग्मे = in the pair of right hands; अभयं = fearlessness gesture; वै तथैव = indeed also; सुमध्या = slender-waisted; तुङ्गस्तनाभारनम्रा = bending with the weight of full, high breasts; लसत् = gleaming; रक्तसृक्कद्वया = with two streams of blood from the corners of the mouth; सुस्मितास्या = with a beautifully smiling face
Translation: In Her two left hands She holds a severed head and a sword, while in Her two right hands She bestows boons and fearlessness. Though slender-waisted, She bends gracefully with the weight of Her full breasts, and Her beautiful smiling face gleams with two streams of blood flowing from the corners of Her mouth.
3 Third Verse
शवद्वन्द्वकर्णावतंसा सुकेशी लसत्प्रेतपाणिं प्रयुक्तैककाञ्ची।
शवाकारमञ्चाधिरूढा शिवाभिश्चतुर्दिक्षुशब्दायमानाऽभिरेजे॥
शवाकारमञ्चाधिरूढा शिवाभिश्चतुर्दिक्षुशब्दायमानाऽभिरेजे॥
Word Meanings: शवद्वन्द्व = pair of small corpses; कर्णावतंसा = ear ornaments; सुकेशी = with beautiful hair; लसत् = shining; प्रेतपाणिं = hands of ghosts; प्रयुक्तैककाञ्ची = fashioned into a waist-girdle; शवाकारमञ्च = a platform/bed in the form of corpses; अधिरूढा = seated upon; शिवाभिः = by jackals; चतुर्दिक्षु = in the four directions; शब्दायमाना = resounding/howling; अभिरेजे = She shone resplendently
Translation: Adorned with a pair of small corpses as ear ornaments, with beautiful flowing hair, wearing a girdle fashioned from the hands of ghosts, She sits resplendent upon a bed of corpses, while jackals howl all around Her in the four directions.
4 Fourth Verse
विरञ्च्यादिदेवास्त्रयस्ते गुणांस्त्रीन् समाराध्य कालीं प्रधाना बभूबुः।
अनादिं सुरादिं मखादिं भवादिं स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
अनादिं सुरादिं मखादिं भवादिं स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
Word Meanings: विरञ्च्यादि = Brahma and others; देवाः त्रयः = the three gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva); गुणान् त्रीन् = three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas); समाराध्य = having worshipped; कालीं = Kali; प्रधानाः = chief/principal; बभूबुः = they became; अनादिं = without beginning; सुरादिं = origin of all gods; मखादिं = origin of all sacrifices; भवादिं = origin of all existence; स्वरूपं त्वदीयं = Your true nature; न विन्दन्ति देवाः = even the gods do not comprehend
Translation: The three gods — Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva — became the presiding lords of the three gunas only by worshipping Kali. You are without beginning, the source of all gods, the origin of all sacrifices, and the cause of all existence — yet even the gods cannot comprehend Your true nature.
5 Fifth Verse
जगन्मोहनीयं तु वाग्वादिनीयं सुहृत्पोषिणीशत्रुसंहारणीयम्।
वचस्तम्भनीयं किमुच्चाटनीयं स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
वचस्तम्भनीयं किमुच्चाटनीयं स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
Word Meanings: जगन्मोहनीयं = capable of enchanting the entire world; वाग्वादिनीयं = bestowing the power of eloquent speech; सुहृत्पोषिणी = nourishing friends and devotees; शत्रुसंहारणीयम् = capable of destroying all enemies; वचस्तम्भनीयं = capable of paralysing the speech (of opponents); किम् उच्चाटनीयं = what cannot be dispelled?; स्वरूपं त्वदीयं = Your true nature; न विन्दन्ति देवाः = even the gods do not comprehend
Translation: Your nature has the power to enchant the entire world, to grant the gift of eloquent speech, to nourish devotees and annihilate enemies, and to silence the words of opponents — what indeed is beyond Your power? Yet even the gods cannot comprehend Your true form.
6 Sixth Verse
इयं स्वर्गदात्री पुनः कल्पवल्ली मनोजांस्तु कामान् यथार्थं प्रकुर्यात्।
तथा ते कृतार्था भवन्तीति नित्यं स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
तथा ते कृतार्था भवन्तीति नित्यं स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
Word Meanings: इयं = this Goddess; स्वर्गदात्री = bestower of heaven; पुनः = again; कल्पवल्ली = the divine wish-fulfilling creeper; मनोजान् = born of the mind; कामान् = desires; यथार्थं = truly; प्रकुर्यात् = fulfills; तथा = thus; ते = they; कृतार्थाः = fulfilled/accomplished; भवन्ति = become; इति = thus; नित्यं = always
Translation: She is the bestower of heaven and the divine wish-fulfilling creeper who truly grants all desires born of the heart. Through Her grace, devotees always become fulfilled in their purposes — yet even the gods cannot comprehend Your eternal true nature.
7 Seventh Verse
सुरापानमत्ता सुभक्तानुरक्ता लसत्पूतचित्ते सदाविर्भवत्ते।
जपध्यानपूजासुधाधौतपङ्का स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
जपध्यानपूजासुधाधौतपङ्का स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
Word Meanings: सुरापानमत्ता = intoxicated with divine nectar; सुभक्तानुरक्ता = lovingly devoted to Her sincere devotees; लसत् = shining; पूतचित्ते = in the purified mind; सदा = always; आविर्भवत्ते = manifests Herself; जपध्यानपूजासुधा = the nectar of japa (chanting), dhyana (meditation), and puja (worship); धौतपङ्का = washed of impurities/sins
Translation: Intoxicated with divine nectar, lovingly devoted to Her sincere devotees, She always manifests in the shining, purified heart. She appears to those whose impurities have been washed away by the nectar of chanting, meditation, and worship — yet even the gods cannot comprehend Your true nature.
8 Eighth Verse
चिदानन्दकन्दं हसन् मन्दमन्दं शरच्चन्द्रकोटिप्रभापुञ्जबिम्बम्।
मुनीनां कवीनां हृदि द्योतयन्तं स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
मुनीनां कवीनां हृदि द्योतयन्तं स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
Word Meanings: चिदानन्दकन्दं = the root/source of pure consciousness and bliss (chit + ananda); हसन् = smiling; मन्दमन्दं = gently, softly; शरच्चन्द्रकोटि = millions of autumn moons; प्रभापुञ्जबिम्बम् = mass of radiant brilliance; मुनीनां = of sages; कवीनां = of poets; हृदि = in the heart; द्योतयन्तं = illuminating
Translation: Your true form — the source of pure consciousness and bliss, gently smiling, radiating brilliance surpassing millions of autumn moons, illuminating the hearts of sages and poets — yet even the gods cannot comprehend Your divine true nature.
9 Ninth Verse
महामेघकाली सुरक्तापि शुभ्रा कदाचिद् विचित्राकृतिर्योगमाया।
न बाला न वृद्धा न कामातुरापि स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
न बाला न वृद्धा न कामातुरापि स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
Word Meanings: महामेघकाली = dark as a great storm cloud; सुरक्ता अपि = also deep red; शुभ्रा = also brilliant white; कदाचित् = sometimes; विचित्राकृतिः = of wondrous, varied forms; योगमाया = divine illusory power; न बाला = not a maiden; न वृद्धा = not old; न कामातुरा अपि = nor afflicted by desire
Translation: Dark as a great storm cloud, yet also deep red and brilliant white, You assume wondrous, varied forms through Your divine Yogamaya. You are neither a maiden, nor old, nor afflicted by desire — even the gods cannot fathom Your true nature.
10 Tenth Verse
क्षमस्वापराधं महागुप्तभावं मयालोकमध्ये प्रकाशिकृतं यत्।
तव ध्यानपूतेन चापल्यभावात् स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
तव ध्यानपूतेन चापल्यभावात् स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
Word Meanings: क्षमस्व = please forgive; अपराधं = the offense; महागुप्तभावं = the great secret nature; मया = by me; लोकमध्ये = among the people/world; प्रकाशिकृतं = revealed, made public; यत् = that which; तव = Your; ध्यानपूतेन = purified by meditation upon You; चापल्यभावात् = due to restlessness/fickleness of mind
Translation: Forgive my offense, O Goddess, for I have revealed among the people Your great secret nature — purified by meditation upon You, yet out of restlessness of mind. Even the gods cannot comprehend Your true form.
✦ Phala Shruti (Fruit of Recitation) — Eleventh Verse
यदि ध्यानयुक्तं पठेद् यो मनुष्यस्तदासर्वलोके विशालो भवेच्च।
गृहे चाष्टसिद्धिर्मृते चापि मुक्तिः स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
गृहे चाष्टसिद्धिर्मृते चापि मुक्तिः स्वरूपं त्वदीयं न विन्दन्ति देवाः॥
Word Meanings: यदि = if; ध्यानयुक्तं = with deep meditation; पठेत् = recites; यः = who; मनुष्यः = human being; तदा = then; सर्वलोके = in all the worlds; विशालः = great/renowned; भवेत् = becomes; गृहे = in the home; अष्टसिद्धिः = the eight supernatural powers (aṇimā, mahimā, etc.); मृते = upon death; च अपि = also; मुक्तिः = liberation (moksha)
Translation: That person who recites this hymn with deep meditation becomes renowned throughout all the worlds. The eight supernatural powers (ashta-siddhis) manifest in their home, and upon death, they attain ultimate liberation — yet even the gods cannot comprehend Your true divine nature.
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shri Kalika Ashtakam
- Destroys Ignorance: Annihilates the darkness of spiritual ignorance and delusion
- Liberates from Cycle of Birth and Death: Grants moksha and freedom from samsara
- Removes Fear of Death: Bestows fearlessness and courage in the face of mortality
- Grants Supreme Power: Invokes the fierce shakti of the Divine Mother
- Destroys Enemies: Annihilates all inner and outer adversaries
- Removes Black Magic Effects: Dispels all negative energies and evil influences
- Bestows Tantric Knowledge: Opens the doorway to sacred tantric wisdom
- Leads to Ultimate Liberation: Guides the devotee to the supreme state of kaivalya
Chanting Instructions
- Sit in a clean, quiet place facing east or north
- Light a lamp and incense before the image of Goddess Kali
- Offer red flowers, hibiscus, or sindoor to the Divine Mother
- Chant with devotion, meditating on the fierce compassion of Kalika
- Ideal times: Kali Puja, Diwali Amavasya, Saturdays, midnight, Navratri
- Recite 1, 3, or 11 times for maximum spiritual benefit
- Conclude with surrender to the lotus feet of the Divine Mother
Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Kalika Ashtakam
Who composed the Shri Kalika Ashtakam?
The Shri Kalika Ashtakam is traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, the great 8th-century philosopher-saint and proponent of Advaita Vedanta. The colophon of the hymn states "Shrimachchhankaracharyavirachitam," confirming his authorship. Despite being known for his non-dualistic philosophy, Shankaracharya composed many devotional hymns to various deities, including this powerful hymn to Goddess Kalika.
What is the meaning of "Kalika" and who is Goddess Kalika?
"Kalika" is derived from the Sanskrit root "kāla" meaning time or death. Goddess Kalika (Kali) is the fierce, dark form of the Divine Mother (Adi Shakti) in Hinduism. She represents the power of time that devours all, the destroyer of ignorance and ego, and the liberator of souls from the cycle of birth and death. Despite Her terrifying appearance — adorned with skulls, wielding a sword, and dwelling in cremation grounds — She is considered the most compassionate mother who protects Her devoted children.
When is the best time to chant the Kalika Ashtakam?
The most auspicious times to chant the Kalika Ashtakam include: during Kali Puja (especially during Diwali Amavasya), Navratri nights (particularly the seventh and eighth nights), every Saturday evening, midnight (nishi kaal), and during Amavasya (new moon). The hymn is also powerful when chanted during eclipses or at cremation grounds for advanced tantric practitioners. Regular daily chanting during the Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn) is also highly beneficial.
What are the ashta-siddhis mentioned in the Phala Shruti?
The ashta-siddhis (eight supernatural powers) mentioned in verse 11 are: Anima (becoming infinitely small), Mahima (becoming infinitely large), Garima (becoming infinitely heavy), Laghima (becoming weightless), Prapti (obtaining anything desired), Prakamya (irresistible will), Ishitva (lordship over creation), and Vashitva (control over all beings). These powers are said to manifest in the home of one who recites this ashtakam with deep meditation.
What is the significance of the refrain "Swaroopam Twadeeyam Na Vindanti Devah"?
This refrain, meaning "Even the gods cannot comprehend Your true nature," appears in verses 4 through 11 and is the philosophical heart of the ashtakam. It establishes that Goddess Kalika transcends even the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). Her true nature — as pure consciousness-bliss (chidananda), beyond form, age, and desire — is incomprehensible to all beings, affirming Her supreme position as the ultimate reality (Para Brahman) in Shakta philosophy.
Can anyone chant the Kalika Ashtakam, or is initiation required?
The Kalika Ashtakam, being a stotra (hymn of praise) rather than a mantra requiring diksha (initiation), can be chanted by any sincere devotee without formal initiation. However, it should be recited with pure devotion, a clean mind, and genuine reverence for the Divine Mother. Verse 10 itself acknowledges that revealing Kali's secret nature publicly is an "offense" born of restlessness — indicating that deeper meditation on its meanings benefits from guidance of a qualified guru.
Is Shri Kalika Ashtakam available in Tamil lyrics?
Yes. This page includes Shri Kalika Ashtakam in Tamil (தமிழ்) script along with Sanskrit and English transliteration for easier chanting.