Kali Aarti (Jai Kali Mata)
जय काली माता
The aarti of Mother Kali sung at the climax of Kali Puja on Amavasya night of Kartik (Diwali). Performed at Kalighat in Kolkata and Dakshineswar by Ramakrishna’s tradition. Praises the fierce dark Mother who wears a garland of skulls yet protects her children with infinite compassion.
Lyrics (Devanagari)
जय काली माता, जय श्यामा माता।
श्मशान वासिनी, मुण्डमालिनी।
खड्ग धारिणी, असुर निकंदिनी।
चरण कमल में शिव लेटे हैं।
जिह्वा रक्त वर्ण, नयन तीन ज्योति।
काल को भी काल, महाकाली माता।
English Transliteration
Jai Kaali Mata, Jai Shyama Mata
Shmashaan vaasini, mund-maalini
Khadga dhaarini, asura nikandini
Charan kamal mein Shiv lete hain
Jihvaa rakta varna, nayan teen jyoti
Kaal ko bhi Kaal, Mahakali Mata
Meaning
Victory to Mother Kali, victory to the dark Mother. Dweller of the cremation grounds, garlanded with skulls, wielder of the sword, slayer of demons. At your lotus feet Shiva lies in surrender. Your tongue is the colour of blood, your three eyes blaze. Even Time bows before you — Mahakali, our Mother.
Book a related puja
Pujas where this aarti is traditionally sung.