The Mahishasuramardini-roopa of Devi Durga is a favourite of the people of the Eastern Delta region. Having been birthed by the devas as the slayeress (‘mardini’) of the buffalo-demon (Mahisha-asura), the image (‘roopa’) of Her that you see on this page is a powerful one. It captures the zenith of feminine beauty and potence. Mounted upon the back of Her vahana, the simha (lion), She crushes the head of Asura beneath a single foot and drives the spear into His heart as He looks helplessly up at Her.
A great deal of colour and detail has been introduced into the composition. The red and gold of Mother Durga’s saree and the expressive contours of Her powerful form. The way the bodies of Mahishasura and the simhavahana are entwined in battle. The head of the mahisha (buffalo), vahana of Asura, lying severed in the foreground, while the rest of His bleeding body are tossed aside. Finally, the ferocious gaze of the divine slayeress as She vanquishes adharma and accomplishes the task She was born to do.
Legend has it that Lord Ganesha, Devi Lakshmi, and Devi Sarasvati are the three children of Devi Durga. Their miniature iconographies are to be found along the panel at the bottom of the main one, infused with as much detail and textual perfection. A continuous sprig of vine laden with blue and white flowers frames the composite painting. The motifs, the colour palette, and the theme of the work are all hallmarks of the region’s characteristic folk art.
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