Durga and the Untamability of Nature

The image of Durga standing astride a lion, holding weapons in her many arms, impaling the buffalo-demon, makes a magnificent sight. The goddess looks serene even though she is performing a violent act. There is blood on the floor, but the goddess is bedecked in bridal finery, smiling benignly at her devotees.

The buffalo-demon could be viewed as the personification of man's desire to dominate the world. He is the demon of ambition, arrogance and audacity who goes about trying to tame Nature. This demon believes he can dam rivers, cut trees, burn forests and flatten mountains for his own comfort and convenience. But then Durga, the unconquerable one shrugs. There are floods and fires. Proud kings and their vast empires are swept away in a flash and man stands humbled once more.

In keeping with the spirit of the narrative the canvas size is prodigious. In contrast to the calm facial expression of the Devi, her hands are vigorously poised. The ferocious lion brutally tears out the entrails of the buffalo-demon, while the goddess strikes at his heart with her trident at the same time strangling him with a noose formed of a snake.

Harikrishen, arguably India's greatest living batik artist, displays his skill here in full measure. His major strength being in bringing out the essence of any subject he sets out to capture within the rigor of his medium.

Of Related Interest:

Om Namoh Durga (I Bow to The Auspicious Durga) (Prayer Shawl)

Durga (Sterling Silver Pendant)

Mahishasura-Mardini Durga (Orissa's Paata Painting on Handmade Patti Paper)

Mahishasura Mardini Durga (Madhubani Painting on Hand Made Paper treated with Cow Dung)

The Divine and Demoniac Mahisha's Heroic Struggle with Durga (Paperback Book)

---

Delivered by to all international destinations within 3 to 5 days, fully insured.

---