Durga, Kali, and Five Matrikas Battle the Daitya Army of the Demon Shumbha: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya

India (Himachal Pradesh, Guler)

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As the Daitya army approaches, Matrikas spring from the bodies of Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Shiva, and Skanda, who are readily identifiable: Brahma sitting on a swan, Vishnu on the bird Garuda, Indra on an elephant, Maheshwari on a bull, and Kumari on a peacock. The Devi Mahatmya text celebrates Durga’s victory over the Daitya Asuras, who embody unchecked human emotions.

Durga, Kali, and Five Matrikas Battle the Daitya Army of the Demon Shumbha: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya, Ink, wash, and translucent watercolor on paper, India (Himachal Pradesh, Guler)

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Durga, Kali, and Five Matrikas Battle the Daitya Army of the Demon Shumbha: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya, Ink, wash, and translucent watercolor on paper, India (Himachal Pradesh, Guler)
Durga, Kali, and Five Matrikas Battle the Daitya Army of the Demon Shumbha: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya, Ink, wash, and translucent watercolor on paper, India (Himachal Pradesh, Guler)

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