historyof
sanatanhindusikh
shastarvidiya

The beliefs of the 'Kapalika' order, and a related order known as 'Kalamukha', were popular in the 14th century.

Elgood further comments:

“The Kalamukhas (who had a close identification with sakti) worshiped Shiva as Mahakal, the great destroyer, Bhairava and Kali…”
('Hindu Arms and Ritual', Arms and Armour from India 1400-1865, Robert Elgood, (Eburon Academic Publishers, 2004), Pa. 68)

Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh personified 'Mahakaal', in the same manner as the above mentioned Shivite warrior ascetics:

“In Mahakaal's hand gleams the great terrifying sword and when he walks his ankle bells jingle. He has four beautiful arms. [On his head] is a beautiful topknot. His club is of good reputation. It enamours the mind of 'Yama' (stick-wielding demigod of death). His fire-like tongue is praiseworthy. His teeth are horrifying. [At time of his attack in battle] the conch shells blow, and battle drums beat as if the ocean is roaring. The splendour of his dark complexion is a store house of praise. On his face is a large pure 'Tilak' - its brilliance is known in all for directions. Over his head hangs a shiny, white, glorious royal umbrella. On recognising the beauty of its shade, light is put to shame. The great large red eyes of 'Maharaja' (Emperor - referring to Mahakaal) look glorious. In face of their radiance the ones who adorn a necklace of rays [the Sun's] a million of them are embarrassed.”
('Bachitar Natak', Akali Nihang Guru Gobind Singh, Dasam Guru Durbar, Part 1, Verse 31-35)