Kālī — काली
The principal name; commonly associated with the feminine form of kāla, with meanings connected to darkness and time.
Divine names are used in praise, prayer, liturgy, and theological reflection. Transliteration varies: Sanskrit diacritics are used here where helpful, with Devanāgarī alongside selected names.
Mahākālī — महाकाली
“Great Kali”; a name associated with cosmic scale and supreme power in many settings.
Dakṣiṇā Kālī — दक्षिणा काली
A prominent form of Kali, particularly important in Bengali worship.
Bhadra Kālī — भद्रकाली
A protective and fierce form; bhadra carries senses such as auspicious or благоприятный.
Ādyā Kālī — आद्या काली
“Primordial Kali” in some traditions, emphasizing the Goddess as beginning or source.
Śyāmā — श्यामा
A name meaning dark or dusky, also used affectionately for the Goddess in devotional contexts.
Cāmuṇḍā — चामुण्डा
A fierce Goddess name associated with the slaying of Caṇḍa and Muṇḍa; related iconography overlaps with Kali in some traditions.