Durga (The Slayer of Demon Mahisha), with The Ten Mahavidyas

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Durga, in her Mahishasura-Mardini manifestation, is the central theme of this Madhubani masterpiece. The ten armed gold complexioned robust figure of Durga has been enshrined under a semi-circular structure. She is riding her favorite golden lion, which is charging at the green hued demon Mahisha emerging from the body of a buffalo decapitated by the goddess. The goddess has pierced Mahisha's breast by her trident and spear and has held in one of her ten hands his head by his hair. Her red hooded large snake has caught hold of the demon by his neck. Fear, agony and death define the facial expressions of the demon. As compared to the deity form, the body size of the demon, buffalo and even lion is not in proportion.

Colourfully costumed and profusely bejewelled figure of the Devi holds in her ten arms spear, trident, bow, conch, mace, dagger, goad, arrow, demon's head and snake. These weapons belonged to one or the other male god and was given to her by such gods at the time they created her out of the mass of light and strength which they emitted from their beings. As most texts have it, Mahisha, the son of the demon king Rambha born of his buffalo wife, won by rigorous penance the boon of invincibility against all males. As a result, he turned atrocious and cruel. He invaded the land of gods and ousted them from there and from their positions. This enraged gods who in fury emitted a mass of light and strength, which congealed into the body of a beautiful woman whose splendour spread through out the universe. This was no other than the Devi. The gods gave her their respective weapons and prayed her to annihilate Mahisha. Skanda Purana identifies this demon as Durga. It is said, Lord Shiva requested Parvati to annihilate Durga, which she did and became known as Durga. Linga Purana names this demon as Daruka. The Mahisha legend, however, has greater unanimity.

The shrine, the goddess is seated under, has inscribed on its lower edge the auspicious Durga 'mantra' : Aum Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini Durgakshama Shivadhatri, svadha Swaha, Namo stute Durge rakshini swaha Iti Mantrah jai Durge Maan

On the upper side of the shrine-arch there are figures of ten Mahavidyas, Kali, Bhuvaneshvari, Sodashi, Matangi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Shakambhari, Bhairavi, Kamala, and Tara. Except some minor variations there is considerable unanimity in regard of them. The painting is a complete representation of the goddess.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.

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Colors of Tradition: Exploring the Artistry Behind Madhubani Paintings

Madhubani painting is also known as Mithila art as it is practiced in the Mithila region of India and Nepal. It has specifically originated from the Madhubani district of the state of Bihar. Traditionally, the women of this region created these paintings and in recent years, it has become a widely practiced art and has now become renowned throughout the world. This art expresses the creativity and culture of the people of Mithila and is passed from one generation to another. In this way, the heritage of Madhubani art has been preserved for many decades. The subjects of these paintings are usually religion, love, and fertility. Sometimes, social events like festivals, weddings, and royal court are also depicted in the paintings. The most commonly painted designs and themes are the forms of Hindu Gods and Goddesses such as Ganesha, Shiva, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Krishna, and Ram. The characteristic features of Madhubani paintings are their vibrant colors and eye-catching geometrical patterns. The empty spaces are filled with traditional motifs such as floral and foliate patterns, animals, birds, geometrical structures, and other designs. The local artists create these paintings using a variety of items such as matchsticks, twigs, brushes, pens, or even their own fingers. The paints are usually made with natural dyes and pigments.
As simple as it may seem, the making process of the world-famous Madhubani paintings is certainly not easy and requires lots of hard labor.

Traditional Madhubani paintings are done either on cloth, handmade paper, or canvas. Select the medium of painting as per your choice. If you have chosen cloth, attach it to cardboard to make a solid base. The making of the painting begins with making a double-lined border. This is a very important step because the border is filled with various geographical shapes and patterns or other motifs. The average width of the border is 1.5 - 2 cm. Now that the border is created, you will be left with a blank middle space. This is the main workspace. Start drawing your choice of figure, designs, and shapes. These must be relevant to the Madhubani painting themes.

When the key design has been made, the empty spaces in between are filled with some designs.
Now is the time to color the painting using vivid shades and hues. Colors in Madhubani are sourced from nature; Indigo is used to produce blue, flower juice produces red, turmeric gives yellow, leaves produce green, cow dung mixed soot gives black, and rice powder gives white.

To paint these colors, the artist uses a bamboo stick and wraps cotton around it. This acts as a traditional brush.
The entire painting is now painted using this special brush with natural vibrant colors. · However, in modern times, the common brush is used and instead of natural colors, artists prefer to use acrylic paints.

Since the entire painting is made with natural materials and colors, it appears simple yet enriching. Originally, this art was created on mud walls or soil grounds but when it evolved over many years, the people of Madhubani started to make it on fabric and paper. Today, this art has become globalized and is receiving worldwide attention and appreciation.