What is the vahana of goddess kali?

The vahana (divine vehicle) of Goddess Kali is typically depicted as a ghost or spirit (often called a preta or bhuta), or sometimes as a corpse (shava). Here's the detailed explanation:

Traditional depiction: - Kali is most commonly shown standing on Lord Shiva who lies motionless like a corpse - However, in some traditions and artworks, she is shown riding a ghost or spirit

Symbolic significance:

1. Conquest over death and time:
2. Kali standing on Shiva represents her power over even the destroyer aspect of the divine

3. The ghost vehicle symbolizes her dominion over spirits and the supernatural

4. Transcendence of fear:

5. Ghosts and spirits represent what humans typically fear

6. By using them as her vehicle, Kali shows she is beyond all fear

7. Control over dark forces:

8. As goddess of time and change, she commands even the most frightening entities
9. The ghost vehicle demonstrates her absolute authority in all realms

Alternative interpretations: - Some texts describe her vahana as a lion (similar to Durga) - In Bengali traditions, she's often depicted without a specific animal vahana - The Shiva as base imagery is more prevalent than a separate vehicle

The imagery of Kali with her vahana is deeply symbolic rather than literal, representing profound philosophical concepts about the nature of reality, time, and the ultimate triumph of divine consciousness over all forms of existence, including life, death, and what lies beyond.