A symbol of female empowerment, Kali is the Hindu goddess of power, destruction and liberation. She is revered as a symbol of Mother Nature herself - primitive, creative, nurturing and devouring. She is often referred to as the "power of time", transcending the traditional roles of good and evil. She is believed to have stood outside the constraints of space-time, she is said to have existed before the creation of the universe and will continue to exist after the universe ends. Free from the concepts of colour, light, good or evil, she is a fierce warrior, wearing a skull symbolizing empowerment, destruction and vengeance.

She is known in the Hindu Tantric tradition as a great and loving primitive goddess. In this aspect, as the Mother Goddess, she is known as Kali Maa, which means Black Mother, and millions of Hindus worship her in this form. Kali is one of the ten Mahavidyas, a list that combines the Shakta and Buddhist deities. The earliest form of Kali is the destroyer of evil forces.

She is also seen as the divine protector and giver of moksha, or liberation. Kali is often depicted standing or dancing on his wife, the Hindu god Shiva, who lies calm and prostrate beneath her. Kali is worshiped by Hindus all over India.