Goddess Kali : She represents the Dark forces ( Means not evil force, but unkown force) of Nature (Opposite of Goddess Durga) which also maintain balance and stabilization of universe.

Animated Clipert Of  KaliPuja 2012

3D Picture of Goddess Kali with Sri Ramkrishna and Vivekananda: Created by Me (Manash Kundu)

Goddess Kālī
is the Hindu goddess associated with empowerment, shakti. The name Kali comes from kāla, which means black, time, death, lord of death, Shiva. Since Shiva is called Kāla—the eternal time—Kālī, his consort, also means "Time" or "Death" (as in time has come). Hence, Kāli is the Goddess of Time and Change. Although sometimes presented as dark and violent, her earliest incarnation as a figure of annihilator of evil forces still has some influence. Various Shakta Hindu cosmologies, as well as Shākta Tantric beliefs, worship her as the ultimate reality or Brahman. She is also revered as Bhavatārini (literally "redeemer of the universe"). Comparatively recent devotional movements largely conceive Kāli as a benevolent mother goddess.

Idol of Goddess Kali

According to the Hindu Puran, There was a demon named Rakta-Bija (Blood Seeds) . This Demon had special power to multiply or cloned himself into thousands of demons like him through his blood which was spilled upon the ground. All Devas was prayed to Parvati ( Wife of Lord Shiva) to destroy the demon, Then Parvati was changed into herself into goddess Kali or Kaal Ratri form to kill the demon Rakhta Bija. Goddess Kali was the another Violent form (Like Devi Durga) of Goddess Parvati (Ultimate form of Prakiti or Nature) . Then Goddess Kali Killed Rakhta Bija by licking all the blood which was spilled out from the Rakhta Bija`s Body.

During the killing of all demons goddess, kali became so violent that she continuously annihilating other  demons also. Lord Shiva (Husband of Goddess Kali also) positioned himself under path of Goddess Kali to pacify herself and maintain stability in nature.

Kālī is the feminine form of kāla ("black, dark coloured"). Kāla primarily means "time" but also means "black" in honor of being the first creation before light itself. Kālī means "the black one" and refers to her being the entity of "time" or "beyond time.

Hugh Urban notes that although the word Kālī appears as early as the Atharva Veda, the first use of it as a proper name is in the Kathaka Grhya Sutra (19.7). Kali is the name of one of the seven tongues of Agni, the [Rigvedic] God of Fire, in the Mundaka Upanishad (2:4), but it is unlikely that this refers to the goddess.

Violent Form of Goddess Kali depict the Violent form of Raw Nature. She represents the Dark forces ( Means not evil force, but unkown force) of Nature (Opposite of Goddess Durga) which also maintain  balance and stabilization of universe.

Source : Wikipaedia and my own writing.

Kaal Ratri : This is the seventh form of Mother Durga

Other Form of Goddess Kali was Kaal Ratri
This is the seventh form of Mother Durga and is worshipped on the seventh day of Navaratri. She has a dark complexion, disheveled hair and a fearlessness posture. A necklace flashing lightning adorns her neck. She has three eyes that shine bright and terrible flames emanate from her breath. Her vehicle is the donkey. Her raised right hand always seems to grant boons to all worshippers and all her right lower hand is in the pose of allaying fears. Her left upper hand holds a thorn-like weapon, made of iron and there is a dragger in the lower left hand. Her gesture of protection assures us of freedom from fear and troubles. So she is also known as ‘Shubhamkari’ – one who does good.

Description of Kaal Ratri is very similar with Gooddess Kali.She is black like Goddess Kali and holds a sparkling sword in her right hand battle all evil.

Source and Picture : With inputs from Shri Shankerprasad S Bhatt. Art by Manohar Saini. Watercolor on cotton, available at www.exoticindia.com

Idol of Goddess Kali in Kolkata (West Bengal)

History of Kali Puja in Bengal
The festival of Kali Puja is not an ancient one in Bengal. Kali Puja was practically unknown before the 18th century, however a late 17th century devotional text Kalika mangalkavya –by Balram mentions an annual festival dedicated to Kali. It was introduced in Bengal during the 18th century, by King (Raja) Krishnachandra of Navadvipa. Kali Puja gained popularity in the 19th century, with Krishanachandra’s grandson Ishvarchandra and the Bengali elite; wealthy landowners began patronizing the festival on a grand scale. Along with Durga Puja, now - Kali Puja is the biggest goddess festival in Bengal.

Sri Ramkrishna and Goddess Kali

Sri Ramkrishna and Goddess Kali:
Ramakrishna was so immersed in the spirit of the divine mother goddess Kali that he forgot he was bound to the body. She dwelt within him and he saw everything as her manifestation. During his life he led many people to know and love her, for he would talk to her, laugh with her and obey her as if she were his friend and mother. "In this body there are two people," he said, "Kali and her devotee." Ramakrishna's whole life was a hymn to Kali.

3D Picture of Goddess Kali with Sri Ramkrishna : Created by Me (Manash Kundu)

Different Kali Idol in Kolkata City (West Bengal) Clicked by Me (Manash Kundu)

Kali Idol Near My House

Kali Idol at Chalta Bagan Armharst Street, Kolkata

Kali Idol at Armharst Street, Kolkata

Kali Idol near Sukia Street, Kolkata

 Kali Idol at crossing of Bowbazar and Armharst Street

Famous Kali Idol of Leader Soumen Mitra at Armharst Street

Famous Kali Idol at Bowbazar, Kolkata

Kali Puja Pandal  at Bowbazar, Kolkata

Kali Puja Pandal of Leader Soumen Mitra at Armharst Street

3D Picture of Goddess Kali with Sri Ramkrishna and Vivekananda: Created by Me (Manash Kundu)