Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.75

v3.c19.75

*Kalaratri.* This goddess is a representation of the śakti as a destructive power. She has a single braid of hair and her ears are ornamented with red shoe-flowers in addition to the kuṇḍalas. She is naked and seated on an ass. She is sometimes specially associated with Bengal. Her body is smeared with oil and her left foot wears a kind of anklet made of iron spikes. Kālarātri is rightly of a terrific appearance.