Meaning and elaboration
Meaning: Bearing a smiling face, radiating divine joy and benevolence.
Elaboration
The name Smera Vaktra literally means "She whose face is smiling." In this form, Mahakali reveals a deeply benevolent and captivating dimension of the fierce Goddess, showing herself as the bestower of joy and grace.
Radiant Benevolence While Kali is often depicted with a wrathful countenance, Smera Vaktra brings forward her capacity for divine joy and compassion. This smile is not one of earthly pleasure, but the quiet smile of one who knows the whole cosmic play, her serene acceptance of creation, preservation, and dissolution as Lila. It shows that even in the midst of the most intense transformation and destruction, an underlying current of divine grace and auspiciousness remains.
Dispeller of Fear Her smiling face is a source of immense comfort and reassurance for her devotees. It reveals her benevolent disposition toward those who sincerely seek her. Though her outer appearance is terrifying to the wicked, she is a nurturing and loving mother to her children. This smile dispels fear, anxiety, and sorrow, and invites the devotee into unwavering trust and devotion.
Promise of Liberation The smile of Smera Vaktra also hints at the ultimate liberation (moksha) that she grants. It is the smile of one who has transcended all dualities, including suffering and happiness, and abides in eternal bliss (Ananda). For the seeker, this smiling visage is a promise that by surrendering to her, one too may attain that state of pure, unconditioned joy and freedom from worldly attachment.