Dasamahavidya-continuation
                                                         MOTHER KALI
 Mother Kali is the first among the 10 mahavidyas, though some scholars point out that among this ten Vidyas only the first couple is Mahavidya, while the next four are Siddhavidyas and the last four are Paravidyas.This conception gains some basis in the sloka itself where this ten Mahavidyas are named serially-Kali Tara Mahavidya/ Shodoshi Bhubeneswari/Matangi Vagala cha /Chhinnamasta Dhumavati/ Bhairabi Kamalaschaiba Siddhavidya prakirtita.Though here all eight other than Kali and Tara are considered as Siddhavidyas
 Anyway,Mother Kali is worshiped specially in Bengal with all love and affection.She is the most popular Goddess among the Bengali Hindu pantheon. She is the central figure of the Tantric school of Vishnukranta-now known as Bengal,(both east and west) Assam and Orissa.But before we enter into a discussion about Kali it will be better to go through the meditations of the Mother, known as the Dhyanmantra. 

DASAMAHAVIDYA- continuation.

If Isvara , as we said above, is a spiritual conception of the Absolute, Isvari or Shakti or Devi is certainly an equally valid one. And as we generally fear our fathers and love our mothers, the concept of a mother-goddess appeals to our heart more than that of a father-god. Also, in the representation of a female deity, there is more scope for grace and beauty, and hence for greater poetry and art.In such a way the Agamoni songs of bengal addressed to Goddess has become universal longing of the mother-heart for her daughter married far off,hence making the songs secular in character.On the other hand Acharya Shankara has made the exposition of tantric theology of Srividya in an excellent way in his Anandalahari and Saundaryalahari.
      Thus, the mother Goddess, shining with dazzling beauty, and filled with the nectar of love and compassion, comes closer to our heart very easily.She is considered to be the priceless pearl hidden in the depth of all scriptures.The Vedas and the Upanishads proclaim only her glory.Her grace is easily won, for her mercy demands no merit on our part. She is the light which dispels the darkness of our hearts. She is the rain of nectar that falls on the perched soil of our earthly existence.At the same time she is the ultimate reality- above all dualisms- the One indivisible,ever free, ever pure.