A ten-armed Durga stands triumphant as she grabs the hair of the buffalo demon’s true form, one foot on his neck, about to plunge spear into his heart. Interestingly, demon wears European buckled shoes; this painting was made in the British enclave then known as Calcutta.
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Made by artists who sold their works in a goddess temple bazaar, this painting was made with rapid brush strokes and thin paint layers on inexpensive paper. Exuberant in their devotional vitality and visceral color sensibilities,
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Kalighat paintings achieved acclaim among modern artists of the 20th century.
Believed to be a manifestation of the Great Goddess, the goddess Durga is portrayed here killing Mahisha, a demon in buffalo form.
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Believed to be a manifestation of the Great Goddess, the goddess Durga is portrayed here killing Mahisha, a demon in buffalo form.
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As described in the Devimahatmya (Glorification of the Great Goddess), Mahisha had defeated the gods in heaven. At their request, Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma created Durga to defeat him.
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Durga is depicted here on her vehicle (vahana), the lion, with a sword in her right hand and left foot pressed upon Mahisha’s throat, her face ruddy with intoxication and anticipation, poised to kill him.
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Image Reference: Durga Killing the Demon Mahisha, 1800s. India, Calcutta, Kalighat painting, 19th century. The Cleveland Museum of Art.
#Mahishasurmardini #Durga
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#Mahishasurmardini #Durga
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