Hymns to Kali (Karpuradi-Stotra)

DETAILS : 

• Author: Sir John Woodrofee , Arthur Avalon 
  
• Publisher: ‎ Shivalik Prakashan
  
• Publication date: ‎ 31 December 2009
  
• Language: ‎ English
  
• Print length: ‎ 92 pages
  
• ISBN-10: ‎ 8188808415 / B09KH3YGRF
  
• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-8188808410
  
• Item Weight: ‎ 350 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hymns to Kali (Karpuradi Stotra) translated with commentary by Sir John Woodroffe (writing under the pseudonym Arthur Avalon) is a classic English rendering of one of the most essential Tantric devotional texts dedicated to Goddess Kali. The core philosophy of this text centers on decoding the esoteric iconography, mantra science (Bija Mantras), and spiritual practices (Sadhana) of Shakta Tantrism. Far from being a simple collection of praise poetry, the Karpuradi Stotra is a practical manual of Tantric yoga that explains the cosmic symbolism of Kali—such as her dark complexion, untamed hair, garland of skulls, and standing posture upon Shiva—as representations of ultimate unmanifest consciousness (Chit) and cosmic energy (Shakti). Woodroffe’s English translation accompanied by detailed commentary elucidates the inner mystical meanings behind external ritual practices, transforming what was often misunderstood in the West into a clear, philosophically profound spiritual path.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sir John Woodroffe (1865–1936), who often published under the pen name Arthur Avalon (a collective pseudonym shared with collaborator Atal Bihari Ghose), was a British Orientalist, jurist, and Advocate-General of Bengal. Writing with scholarly objectivity, deep philosophical insight, and sympathetic reverence for Indian traditions, Woodroffe is single-handedly credited with introducing authentic Hindu Tantric philosophy to the Western world. By translating foundational Sanskrit Tantric literature with rigorous textual fidelity and philosophical precision, his pioneering body of work dismantled colonial prejudices surrounding Tantra and established it as a legitimate, highly sophisticated branch of Indian philosophy