Have you ever looked at a picture of Maa Kali and wondered who the fierce, sword-carrying female figures standing behind her were? Their appearance can seem mysterious, even frightening, especially when you first encounter such an image as a child. These figures are often identified as Dakinis or Yoginis in popular explanations, but their meanings are more complex than they might appear. To understand them, we need to look beyond their dramatic appearance and explore the different traditions, stories and symbolism associated with them.
