The Goddess Durga Conquering the Buffalo Demon (Mahishasuramardini)

Currently not on view

The Goddess Durga Conquering the Buffalo Demon (Mahishasuramardini)

c. Mid- 20th century

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

The great Jaganath (Krishna) Temple at Puri in the eastern state of Odisha (formerly Orissa) is the epicenter for the creation of a distinctive type of souvenir paintings of Hindu deities. Images of Durga are particularly popular during annual celebrations of this goddess. Here, in an ten-armed form, she stands under an elaborate archway resembling a local temple tower. A green Mahishasura emerges in human form from the decapitated body of the buffalo only to be ensnared by the goddess’s ropelike snake and attacked by her lion.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Goddess Durga Conquering the Buffalo Demon (Mahishasuramardini)
Durga Vanquishing the Buffalo Demon (Mahishasuramardini)

Date:

c. Mid- 20th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor on starched, painted and lacquered cotton

Dimensions:

Image: 13 5/8 × 11 3/4 inches (34.6 × 29.8 cm) Sheet: 14 5/16 × 12 1/2 inches (36.4 × 31.8 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley F. Myers, 1995

Accession Number:

1995-151-2

Geography:

Made in Puri District, Odisha, Puri Region, India, Asia

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Currently not on view