Durga and the Buffalo Demon

Durga's's name means 'beyond reach'. This is an echo of the woman warrior's fierce virginal autonomy. This, though, is not meant in the limiting sense understood by the patriarchal order, but rather that she is 'one-in-herself.

Positioned atop the lion, this slender figured goddess wears a short bodice and sari. Her head is held proudly aloft, yet her slim, high-waisted torso provides inadequate support for the burden of ten arms. These arms that emerge from her torso convey an energetic movement. Her hair is knotted up in a style akin to Shiva, and is adorned with the crescent moon. These details suggest that she is the feminine counterpart of Shiva.

The Devi's many weapons underscore the idea that she incorporates the power of all the deities. Here, however, the artist emphasizes the goddess's beauty by depicting her with a 'nayika's' charming expression. This picture shows her in a moment of triumph, turning her head to regard the demon's imminent demise. The lion with it's open jaw and aggressive eyes, ready to attack the demon, presents a fierce picture.

The demon has a human body but a buffalo's face, contrary to images that have a human emerging from a buffalo's body. The gesture of his right arm suggests that he was about to attack the goddess before she pierced his body with the spear.

This stupendous image in brilliant colors is dyed and waxed numerous times. Due to the dark background, the crackle effect which is a unique feature of batik is limited to the lighter shades of the form.

This description by Renu Rana.