According to Shaktisamgama Tantra, The Mahakala, the spouse of Kali is extremely frightening. Mahakala has four arms, three eyes and dwells in the midst of eight cremation grounds. He is adorned with eight skulls, seated on five corpses which represent the 5 sins turned into the 5 truths. Among his side is his consort Kali and they both represent the flow of time. Both Mahakala and Kali/Mahakali represents the ultimate destructive power of nature.
They have the power to dissolve even time and space into themselves and exist as Void at the dissolution of the universe. They are responsible for the dissolution of the universe at the end of Kalpa. They are also responsible for annihilating great evils and great daemons when other gods, Devas, and even Trimurtis fail to do so. Mahakala and Kali are the great destroyers of matter and time and are not bound by conscience. The Mahakala guards the gate of wisdom, allowing anyone to enter but only those worthy to leave. His appearance frightens those of ill intent to rethink their reasons for the use of their new found wisdom.
