Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar

I envy those of you who haven’t read this book yet. I’ve seen it being recommended zillion times by different people, but got my hands (eyes) on it only now. This is a magnificent book. It is very experiential and atmospheric, with such storytelling of a good binge worthy TV series. Doesn’t require prior knowledge of Hindu culture at all. It will walk you through the abode of the Kali Ma in Dakshineswar, narrate you the life of Ramakrishna and other saints and mystics, whose lifes were devoted to Devi; it will immerse you in different lilas and multiple layers of devotion. It has history, facts, stories, immense attention to detail, but also - poetry, reflections, emotions and ‘juice’. It is something of a ‘starter-pack’ in situation, where you definitely feel ‘the pull’ but don’t know where to look next. For me, personally, it was like continuation of the same thread. Many years ago the first time I heard about Ramakrishna from Krisha Das. Then reading “The gospel of Shri Ramakrishna”. Then finding the refuge for the soul in Ramakrishna’s temple in Delhi and witnessing Kali puja for the first time. I’ve read many (many) books in this field, but this one really stands out. First published in 1993, today it is still one of a kind. What an offering to Devī, what a book. Om Shri Matre Namah !

While I haven't completed the book yet, I'm so happy I bought this! I was a religious studies major in school, so am utterly fascinated by the subject. It's a very easy and pleasant read. You don't have to have my major to understand it. It's written with tons of knowledge but balanced by simplicity and creativity. My favorite aspect is the hybrid nature of it. It goes over the mythology and practical knowledge you need on the goddess, yet it also incorporates the author's travel and experiences so well that I could see it appealing to travel enthusiasts, as well. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the book, but my thanks to the author and I encourage you to pick up a copy! Oh, there's also just the right amount of pictures to help enrich your experience but not bog down the power of the written word!

This book is extremely well written. Her descriptions are excellent. I wish I had read the book before going to the temple. This is not an easily read book. It's more like an academic course, only one penned by a professor that can really write. By the time you finish this book you feel like you have really learned something- not just about Kali but about India and about mythology and religion as well. Because of the subject matter and stark cover photo, this is the kind of book that will have strangers come up to you and ask what you're reading. Because of it's well written and well researched content- you are actualyy going to be able to tell them. Take it Starbuck's and you'll meet someone gauranteed.

This book is wonderful for westerners and Indians alike who want to know more about the specific form of Kali, Bhavatarini Dakshina Kali, of the Dakshineshwar Temple, and also about the great master Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa who had a profound child-mother relationship with Her. It has important history without being tedious. This book is easy to read and very accessible. I believe this book is important to those who are devoted to Paramahansa Yogananda and Ammachi and many other important saints and gurus--because they have a devotion to this specific form of Kali and were greatly inspired and influenced by Sri Ramakrishna.

This book is about the temple of Kali and its history. For information on Kali Herself, there are better sources. The sections on the Goddess' myths and attributes are okay, but I do not care for the lengthy excerpts quoted from Barbara Walker's The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets - I mean, first of all if I wanted this I would read Walker's work; secondly they are rife with misinformed conjecture presented as fact. Excerpts from The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, on the other hand, serve to inform the book's most charming elements and what are in essence its central subjects: the lives of Kali's famous devotees, especially Ramakrishna; the history of the Dakshineswar temple; and the temple's daily routine and festival observances, as witnessed and experienced first-hand by the author herself. These aspects of the work really took me to the temple and allowed me to envision and even commune with these saintly and lively children of Ma Kali. If Ms. Harding had focused on and refined these aspects of her work, I would have rated this a five-star book.

this is what i expected, and then some! Great commentary on the temple, sri ramakrishna and other great teachers! learned awesome back stories on Kali's devotees! it is a beautiful, and the love for Kali is tangible in this book! enjoy!

This is a wonderfull book and I can give it 5 stars without even finishing it. I am using it for a research paper I am writing for an Indian philosophy class at University Nevada Las Vegas. It has been helpful and intriguing. Thank you.

Love this book. It's really eye opening.

I was looking for a good book about Kali and wasn't disapointed. The author's writing style is very engaging as she describes her experiences visiting the Dakshineswar temple and the various pujas she witnessed there. You really feel as if you are part of the action. A great deal of information is also provided about Kali herself, Shakti practice and Hindu culture. My favorite part of the book is all the fascinating quotes and life stories of Sri Ramakrishna and other Saints. There's always something special about ¨mad¨ holy men and Ramakrishna's unusual style of behavior and teaching really feels like he channeled the essence of Kali in his whole being. Highly recommended!

I love the book.

Nice book for who whant know the basis on maa kali from dakshineshwar.

THE BOOK IS SUCH A WONDERFUL PIECE OF WORK. I COULD CLEARLY PICTURISE KALI MAA IN MY MIND AS I WAS READING IT. NICELY PUT TOGETHER BY ELIZABETH U HARDING....

I bought this book just for a basic introduction of Ma Kali. This book satisfied me totally(soul, heart, mind). One can find out every work thats been done around Dakshineshwar Kali Temple, its history, Divine Mother and her devotee stories which are totally astonishing, but can find out only when you visit Ma Kali at Dakshineshwar, Divine Mother notable days traditional puja procedures, popular figures who worshipped her for a long time and more. At last, pure, healthy faith, unconditional love towards Ma Kali in her devotee as their(our) Divine Mother. It is the best book for someone to have heartful content over his/her starting journey towards to know more about Ma Kali, Divine Mother. Later, if one likes to have spiritual experience of Divine Mother, worship Ma Kali sincerely, one can buy 'Simple Kali Puja' book.