Goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahisha

Bangladesh, northern Bengal, possibly Varendra region

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 238

The warrior goddess Durga is celebrated in Hindu India as the supreme protectress of devotees. As an expression of the wrathful aspect of Parvati, Shiva’s consort, she epitomizes shakti, or divine female energy. The goddess assumed a multi-armed form, known as Mahishasuramardini, to wield weapons lent to her by male gods unable to subdue the demon Mahisha. Disguised in buffalo form, the demon assailed Durga, only to be slain by her cosmic weaponry.

Goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahisha, Copper alloy, Bangladesh, northern Bengal, possibly Varendra region

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Goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahisha, Copper alloy, Bangladesh, northern Bengal, possibly Varendra region
Goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahisha, Copper alloy, Bangladesh, northern Bengal, possibly Varendra region

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