Om Kali is a Cosmic Chant with the feel of a bhajan, using only “Om Kali” and “Bhavatarini Kali.” It is very suitable for kirtan: it can be repeated many times, sped up to build energy, then slowed down again to end. Its lower- and higher-register sections have similar melodies, but the lower section includes a descending note not found in the higher section. “Bhavatarini Kali” can be sung in the second half of the higher section.

Song Form

A Om Kali, Om Kali, Om Kali, Om Kali,
Om Kali, Om Kali, Om Kali, Om Kali. x2
B Om Kali, Om Kali, Bhavatarini Kali. x2

Notes

• A is 4 bars and B is 2 bars, each sung x2, so the length of the form is 12 bars in 4/4.

• Repeat A and B the same number of times to establish a standard form. After the standard form has been done several times, the leader can extend either section, ideally in groups of two.

• The Cosmic Chants book marks “Bhavatarini Kali” in B as optional; without it, B is “Om Kali” four times.

• The book also says “Om Guru” or “Om Brahma” may be substituted for “Om Kali.”

Listen to SRF Recordings

Videos on YouTube

• 2020 Convocation Monks' Kirtan (3-hour)

Audio Recordings

• Om Kali (Br. Bhaskarananda), from the album O Blazing Light
  Spotify · Apple Music · Tidal

• Om Kali (Bro. Kamalananda), from the album The Ocean of Love
  Spotify · Apple Music · Tidal

• Om Kali (instrumental), from the album I Am the Sky
  Spotify · Apple Music · Tidal