Kalika Purana (set of 2 books)

The Kalika Purana was compiled with the aim of popularizing the Shakti cult, and primarily the cult of the goddess-mother Kamakhya. The Kalika Purana is considered a highly authoritative text dedicated to this theme, and it is abundantly referenced by the authors of the collections of Smriti-nibandhakaras (smRti-nibandha-kArAs) since the 13th century. From the numerous quotes provided by the nibandhakaras, it is evident that the Kalika Purana enjoyed wide circulation and popularity. All the instructions presented here pertain to the worship of Kali, and it is possible that the Kalika Purana is one of the sources providing the most detailed information about the Devi cult. From this perspective, these chapters form a cohesive whole, which is further emphasized by the fact that all these instructions come from the mouth of Shiva.

Most scholars believe that the Kalika Purana was created in Kamakhya, which is now Assam. In ancient times, Assam was known as Pragjyotisha, and in the Purana era, this territory was also referred to as Kamrup. In the Ramayana and Mahabharata, this country is mentioned under the name Pragjyotisha, while in some Puranas, both names are in use. As for the time of compilation, there is a wide range of opinions – from the 7th to the 14th centuries.

The book is accompanied by a series of articles and studies dedicated to this text and the historical context in which this work was created.