Lyrics

Shyama Ma Kali

*This bhajan was written by Kamalakanta Bhattacharya, a Bengali mystic and poet saint renowned for devotional songs dedicated to Divine Mother, in particular, Goddess Kali. This song is a profound expression of bhakti whilst embodying the unique Tantric traditions of Bengal, emphasizing the dynamic and transformative aspects of Divine Mother. Kamalakanta's poetry resonated deeply with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who often sang his compositions during divine ecstasies. Ramakrishna’s incorporation of Kamalakanta’s works helped preserve his legacy, linking their shared devotion to Kali and inspiring generations of devotees to Divine Mother.

Nikunja has traveled periodically to west bengal, singing these songs at temple sites where these great saints themselves prayed and lived. She felt particularly inspired to share this meditative journey with Divine Mother as she was pregnant with her first child during her performance at Bhakti Fest 2024.

Bengali Lyrics:

SHYAMA MA KI AMAR KALO RE SHYAMA

MA KI AMAR KALO

LOKE BOLE KALI KALO AMAR MON TO

BOLENA KALO RE.

KALO RUPE DIGAMBARI, HRIDI PADMA KORE MOR AALO RE,

SHYAMA MA KI AMA KALO.

SHYAMA KOKHONO SHETO, KOKHONO PITO, KOKHONO NIL, LOHITO RE.

MAYER SHE BHAB KEMON BUJHITE NA PARI, BHABITE JONOM GELO RE

SHYAMA MA KI AMAR KALO.

SHYAMA KOKHONO PURUSHO, KOKHONO PROKRITI, KOKHONO SHUNAKAR HE.

MAYER SHE BHAB BHABIYA

KOMOLAKANTO SHOHOJE PAGOL HOLO

RE

SHYAMA MA KI AMAR KALO.

-KAMALAKANTA BATTACHARYA

English Translation:

Is my mother Shyama black?

People say that Kali means black, but my mind says that this is not so.

In Her dark beauty, the Naked One illuminates the lotus of my heart.

Is my mother Shyama black?

Shyama is sometimes white, at other times yellow, again blue, and vibrant red.

The Mother's true nature is beyond my understanding and in contemplating Her my life has dissolved.

Is my mother Shyama black?

Shyama is sometimes spirit, sometimes

matter, and the transcendent void beyond both. Lost in Her ecstasy, Kamalanta has gone insane.

Is my mother Shyama black?

Kali Shaktishali

Hindi and English Lyrics:

Jai maa kaali shaktishaali

Kabhi tu durgaa kabhi tu kaali

Glory to powerful maa kali

Sometimes you are Durga, sometimes you are Kali

Kabhi sati tu kabhi saavitri

Kabhi tu durgaa kabhi gaayatri

Mahaakaal ki god me dekho

Chandi ban gayi kaali

Sometimes you are sati, sometimes saavitri

Sometimes you are durga, sometimes gayatri

Look, in the lap of mahaakaal(shiva) you transformed into kaali

Universal Mother

Ambe jai jagadambe

jai jai jagadambe

Glory to the Universal Mother

*Amba is a commonly used word in Sanskrit meaning mother and is also referred to as the mother of the Vedas.