The Kali Mudra is among those mudras that possess the power of the goddess it is named after, Goddess Kali. She is considered to be one of the most powerful forms of a Shakti, who is also the reincarnation of Goddess Durga.
By interlocking your fingers and joining the index fingers of both hands, you are manifesting the sword of destruction. This destruction is of negative energy, energy blockages, emotional setbacks, and trauma, or any adverse situation or pattern that is keeping you stuck, mentally and spiritually.
In this article, we will let you know the meaning of kali mudra, steps to perform, and its benefits.
What is Kali Mudra?
Kali is derived from the Sanskrit word kala which means “time” or “black”. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Kali is also seen as the goddess of time, change, creation, and power. She is counted amongst one of the most powerful and fearsome deities in the Hindu culture.
Some may perceive or misinterpret her as an evil destructive force, but she is associated with fearlessness, inner strength, empowerment, and as someone who destroys sin and ignorance making way for moksha.
The Kali mudra does just that. It is an hasta mudra or hand gesture that gives you the power of letting go. It strengthens the positive thoughts and removes feelings of frustration, stress, tension, distractions, irritation, and aggravation.
It clears out all the negative energy through the energy channels.
The gesture of joining the index finger and keeping them straight is a representation of the sword that kills illusion or maya.
The gesture of joining the index finger and keeping them straight is a representation of the sword that kills illusion or maya. The Kali Mudra is also known by the Ksepana Mudra, and Maha Kali Mudra.
How to Perform Kali Mudra
You can perform the Kali Mudra in a seated, standing or supine position. This mudra can also be practiced while performing asanas where you are not actively using your hands or you have the liberty of playing around with the movement of the hands.
For ease of explanation, we will be listing the steps for a seated position.
- Sit in a comfortable pose, preferable Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose).
- Bring your palms infront your head and join them together in Anjali Mudra.
- Except the index fingers, interlock all the other fingers. Your left thumb will be crossed over the right thumb.
- With the index fingers joint and kept straight, point your hands towards the ground.
- You can chant the mantra ‘Om Krim Kali’ to invoke the blessing of Goddedd Kali and ask for her protection and guidance.
- Meditate with this mudra for 15 minutes.
Tips for Practicing Kali Mudra
- Direction: Always point the mudra towards the ground to release negative energy. In Sat Kriya of Kundalini Yoga, point it upwards to awaken Kundalini Shakti.
- Left Thumb: Place the left thumb over the right, as the left side represents female energy (Shakti).
Time & Duration
- Duration: Practice for a minimum of 30-45 minutes daily. This can be done in one session or split into two or three sessions of 10-15 minutes each.
- Ideal Time: The best time to practice is in the morning between 4 am and 6 am. If mornings are difficult, you can also practice in the evening.
- During Meditation: Maximize the benefits by incorporating Kali Mudra into your meditation practice with the intention of removing negativity.
Precautions and Contraindications of Kali Mudra
- Ensure adequate rest to avoid physical and mental strain.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Practice gently to prevent strain or injury.
- Avoid practicing for too long to prevent loss of positive energy.
- Choose comfortable postures to avoid discomfort or pain.
- Be emotionally prepared, as the mudra can bring up deep-seated emotions.
- Practice mindful breathing to maximize benefits and avoid hyperventilation.
- Maintain a positive intention and focus during practice to effectively release negativity.
- Consider the combined effects of the mudra with yoga asanas and stop if it negatively impacts your physical or mental health.
- Individuals with a high metabolism should avoid prolonged practice, as it may enhance excess elimination of waste from the body.
Benefits of Kali Mudra
Practicing the Kali Mudra will give you the strength to overcome and get out of the vicious cycle of negative thought patterns and emotions. You will have the courage to let go of the things that serve no purpose in your life. And just like the Goddess Kali, you will also become fearless to face any challenge head-on.
Here are some benefits of practicing the Kali Mudra to inspire your further:
- Improves the positive energy flow by destroying any negative energies.
- The positive energy helps in removing mental stress as well as stress on joints and muscles.
- It helps with mental detox by removing unwanted thoughts and draining negative emotions. This cleansing of the mind helps improve the flow of prana energy.
- This power of letting go also aids physical detoxification by improving the digestive system, respiratory system, and the process of removal of toxins through sweat.
- The Kali mudra is extremely beneficial in giving you the strength and courage to begin something new by removing fearful and anxious thoughts.
- When combined with asanas, meditation, or pranayama, it will reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, tension, etc.
- It also activates and stimulates the third eye and crown chakra when the hand is pointed upwards.
- A calm and peaceful mind will encourage restful sleep.
Conclusion
Goddess Kali is worshipped as a fearless goddess who eliminated evilness. The same fearlessness is manifested in the practitioner through the practice of Kali Mudra. The sword-like hand gesture strengthens your willpower to eliminate all negative thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
By making the mind resolute, it encourages the practitioners to adapt to change and get rid of thoughts that are keeping you back from pursuing your goals. Thus, practicing the Kali Mudra will improve your mental strength to take on life with vigor.
