On an unusual mount of a female attendant or Dakini, the unparalleled force of Mahakali or the great Kali, an aspect of the warring goddess on the battlefield is captured in the classic iconography of this wooden statue, infused with the awe-inspiring aura of “Samara-Priya”, “she who enjoys samara or war”, an epithet for Kali who is the most brilliant conception of motherly protection for her devotees.
The sixteen weapon-bearing arms of the great goddess form a stunning aureole around her, parallel to the hoods of Adi-sheesha, bringing a symmetrical appeal to the statute. Adorned with jeweled earrings with Simha (lion) and Gaja (elephant) emblems, goddess Kali emanates a riveting animation from her wide eyes, and flaring lips, engaged in the Vadha or slaying of the demon extended in her lap. In ferociousness and form, this aspect of Kali reminds one of the Narasimha sculptures, where the man-lion deity has Hiranyakashyapu on his lap, with his sword-like nails pierced into his belly.
Holding the hair of the demon with one hand, the goddess strikes him with her Khadaga (sword) and Trishula (trident). The fear in the expression of the demon and the fierce attitude of the goddess Kali narrates the prowess of the mighty mother. With secondary elements such as ornate ornamentation, faint colors, and the sway of the garment of the goddess and the sword of the vanquished demon fallen and standing on the ground, the wooden masterpiece is a remembrance of Kali- the eternal guardian, Adi-Shakti, who was, is and will be.
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