Standing
on the head of a vanquished Mahishasura (buffalo demon), goddess Durga appears
in this small
brass statue in her distinct and rare sixteen-armed Shadabhujadhari roopa.
Adorned marvelously, the great goddess is in a stunning posture, as she pierces
her trident in Mahishasura, while her lion lovingly touches her leg, as a sign
of his reverence to the supreme mother.
The Divine Mother's Triumph
Embodying the fierce yet benevolent power of the universe, this exquisite brass idol depicts the Goddess Durga in her iconic form, poised for victory. Crafted with meticulous detail by skilled artisans in India, this statue stands as a testament to centuries of artistic tradition and spiritual devotion. The Goddess, with her multitude of arms, each holding a divine weapon, is a symbol of her omnipotence and her readiness to vanquish all negativities. Her serene yet resolute expression speaks of her unwavering protection over her devotees.
A Symphony of Power and Grace
The brass medium lends a timeless aura to the sculpture, its metallic sheen reflecting the divine light of the Goddess. The intricate detailing on her attire, the ornamentation, and the very weapons she wields are rendered with remarkable precision. Note the subtle rendering of her musculature, hinting at the immense strength contained within her divine form. Her stance, balanced and dynamic, captures a pivotal moment of triumph, a moment when darkness is pushed back by the radiant force of good. The accompanying figures of the lion and the vanquished demon further amplify the narrative of her divine prowess.
Mythological Resonance
The story of Goddess Durga is deeply woven into the fabric of Hindu mythology. She is the supreme Goddess, the mother of the universe, who manifests to protect humanity from formidable demons that threaten to disrupt cosmic order. One of her most famous battles is against Mahishasura, a powerful buffalo demon who had defeated the gods. It is in this context that Durga, a powerful warrior goddess, was created from the combined energies of all the gods. Her formidable array of weapons, each gifted by a different deity, signifies her unity and the collective will of the divine forces. Her mount, the lion, represents courage and ferocity, while the vanquished demon, often depicted as Mahishasura himself, symbolizes the eradication of ego, arrogance, and evil. This idol captures the essence of that epic victory, a reminder that righteousness will always prevail.
A Sacred Adornment
This divine representation of Goddess Durga is more than just an artifact; it is an object of veneration. It can serve as a focal point for prayer and meditation, inviting blessings of strength, courage, and protection into your home. The serene yet powerful presence of the Goddess is said to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, bestowing peace and prosperity upon those who honor her. Whether placed on an altar, a bookshelf, or as a central piece in your meditation space, this idol brings a touch of the divine into your everyday life. Its handcrafted nature ensures that each piece is unique, carrying with it the blessings and intentions of the artisan who brought it to life.
The Fierce and Powerful Goddess Durga: Discovering the Symbolism
and Significance
Goddess Durga is a revered deity in Hinduism and she is
worshiped by many people in the eastern part of India and also
in other countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. She is
considered the mother of this material world who takes care of
the conditioned souls trapped in the material existence. She
protects them from the demons who threaten peace and establishes
Dharma. In the Shakta tradition or Shaktism (those who believe
that feminine energy is supreme), Mother Durga has been given
the highest position. She is often considered the expansion of
Mother Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva who is the destroyer
of the material world. The Vaishnavas consider Mother Durga as
the external energy of the Supreme Lord Krishna or Vishnu. She
takes charge of the material world and reforms those souls who
do not abide by the rules of the Supreme Lord.
Mother Durga is often depicted as a young and beautiful woman,
wearing a saree, and sitting on a tiger or lion. She has
multiple arms (usually ten arms) that hold different items and
weapons that express her martial skills. She tramples down the
demon Mahishasura, with her trident, representing the subduer of
vices.
What does Durga symbolize?
Being the powerful assistant of the Supreme Lord, Mother Durga
tests our dedication to the Lord. She represents the material
nature and like a loving mother, she gives a clarion call to all
forgetful souls to turn their faces towards Lord Krishna, who is
the only well-wisher of all living entities. The depiction of
her violently killing the demon Mahishasura with her trident
shows her extraordinary prowess. Mahishasura represents our
demoniac mentality that wants to enjoy separately from the
Supreme Lord, forgetting our eternal relationship with Him.
Goddess Durga killing the demon symbolizes the victory of good
over evil or wisdom over ignorance.
Where are Durga statues made in Kolkata?
The worship of Goddess Durga is prominent in festivals such as
Durga Puja, Durga Ashtami, Navaratri, etc. On those days, people
gather at a place and a big idol or deity of Goddess Durga is
worshiped with faith and devotion. These idols of the Goddess
are made in a place called Kumortuli, located near Kolkata, West
Bengal. This city is renowned for its beautiful clay sculptures
made by local manufacturers.
Can we keep Durga idol at home?
You can keep a Durga deity at your home if you want to attract
her mercy into your life. Goddess Durga is very merciful toward
her devotees and when pleased, she bestows them with both
material and spiritual benefits. Those who approach and worship
Goddess Durga with material desires in their hearts, she
fulfills them. But if a person genuinely approaches her and
prays to her to reveal about the Absolute Truth and the real
goal of human life to them, being the superintendent of the
Supreme Lord Vishnu, she blesses them with the light of
knowledge about the Lord and inspires them to walk the path of
devotion to Lord Vishnu.