Diptych of Kali / Tara, wrathful protectors

This is the first of five diptychs depicting the Ten Mahavidyas, the “Great Wisdom” tantric goddesses who are personifications of Shakti, the source of Shiva’s energy. At left is the youthful Kali, standing astride two appearances of Shiva, one corpse-like and the other white-skinned and engaged in sexual union with the four-armed goddess. At right is Tara, associated with the destructive and purifying powers of fire. She wears a diadem and a garland made of skulls as well as a tiger skin (a garment associated with Shiva) around her waist. She tramples on Shiva, who lies in a charnel ground marked with blazing pyres. Prints of the Mahavidyas were particularly popular in West Bengal, where the goddesses are venerated for their protective powers.