Maa Kali is worshiped as a nurturing Mother, a source of sexual power, a spiritual guide, a fierce warrior, a defender, an avenger and the Goddess of all death, natural and otherwise. In her many forms she is lovable as well as terrible . Kali being a protecting Mother is also invoked to destroy all the evil or demonic forces in any form whether in your mind such as anger , selfishness , ego and many other bhavas in ourselves , She also destroys ignorance in order to bestow knowledge. She destroys darkness so that we may realize light. She destroys all pain, all sorrow, all misery and all the earthly travails and tribulations; and bestows upon us bliss, joy and immortality of being with her forever . As Vidya-Maya, Mother Parvati using Her aspect as Kali, destroys Avidya and takes us to her path .

Devi Kali is strongly associated with Lord Shiva. It is often said that Lord Shiva derived his masculine power from her feminine power, Devi Kali.