Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar

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 is a decent resource on Kali, but it is incomplete. While I admire that the author has great love for Kali Ma, there are still bits and pieces of assumed historical conjecture along with misconstrued interpretations of Vedic Lore/culture. It’s unfortunate and common place when you have westerners that approach traditions from an “academic” standpoint they would rather redefine it in their own vision instead of accepting the tradition on its own grounds.This book can be a good starting point to learn more about Kali, but I don’t consider this one of the main helpful resources for one who walks this path with the Goddess

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.

Whilst I'm glad to have learnt more about Maa Kali who is my chosen deity, there wad too much emphasis on the human beings associated with the mandir. I'm glad though that this book encouraged the worship of Kali Maa in the US.

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 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!

Love this book. It's really eye opening.

Good book

This book has deservedly earned respect for being a primer for the study of Kali, especially the Goddess Bhavatarini who resides at Dakshineshwar. It begins with introductory prefaces. Then we have the following chapters~1. The Dakshineshwar Kali Temple;2. Kali, the black Goddess of Dakshineshwar;3. Worship of Kali;4. Temple History and Surroundings;5. Ma Kali's God-Intoxicated Mystics.After a 'summing-up', the book ends with Glossary and Bibliography.The book would definitely help a curious tourist, or even a student from abroad, to get some idea about Kali, Sri Ramakrishna, and the faith. However, for the initiated, it doesn't have anything new.Nevertheless, it's a sincere study. Hence, recommended.

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!

As a Shakti worshipper and spiritual practitioner, I highly recommend this book. Not only does this book recount vivid and detailed information of Kali worship in the Dakshinewar temple, but also allows one an opportunity to deepen their connection with the Divine Mother.

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.

Elizabeth has done a beautiful job bringing to life the story as true as possible! The reader sees through the eye of logic the love of the mother.