The legend behind her origin is as interesting as her iconography. The world, it is said, was once threatened by a powerful demon whose strength was so great that even the gods were helpless against him. From the collective divine wrath of the gods there arose a goddess. To her multiple arms each of the male deities contributed a weapon. For example, Shiva gave the trident, Vishnu gave his discus and Indra his thunderbolt. The bearer of these weapons and the personification of the god's combined fury was The Great Goddess. Wielding the masculine powers of all the gods she was the only one capable of vanquishing the demon, a task which she accomplished with characteristic ease and fun.
Here haloed by a golden chakra, the Goddess sits sideways on a tiger. She is bedecked in the finest of ornaments and adornments which includes an elaborate golden crown, and a rich collection of necklaces, anklets and bracelets. Her right toe is visible and is endowed with arabesque forms carved out in henna, a sign of her fertilizing powers. Her saddle is a richly decorated carpet and her mount too has a golden band around his neck. She is eight-armed and each holds a different weapon which includes a drooping pink lotus in her foremost left arm. The drooping lotus may be signifying that as a deity the sexuality of a goddess needs to be suppressed though in his rendering the artist has sufficiently elaborated upon her femininity and brought the inherent charm of a woman. This is expressed through her effortless grace, beauty, and the innocence of her face characterized by her mesmerizing eyes, which captivate, yet do not look straight into our own, an essential trait of a well-bred girl.
From the primary right arm issues forth rays These signify the mercy and boon of the goddess.
This painting is the creation of Shri Manohar Saini, of Kishangarh, Rajasthan. Kishangarh is a small town approximately 125 kms from Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist