62" Large Sized Goddess Maa Durga | Mahishasurmardini: Mother of the universe

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She rules over our senses and makes us see the invisible while leaving what is evident, unseen. It is her divine, endless play that fills colors in her creation. And when there is an unevenness in her Srishti, she employs weapons of destruction and annihilates the source of that instability. Maa Durga, thus, is the Maya-Shakti, the singular source of illusion and its destruction.

This ethereal larger-than-life brass idol of goddess Durga has the most well-known and powerful form of the mother-goddess as its subject. Maa Durga is shown in the act of slaying the buffalo demon, Mahishasur. This Roopa (form) of the great mother is an eternal reminder of her potencies that are beyond the perception of the divine beings. Dashabhujadharini- ten-armed Maa has her Naaga-Paasha (snake serving as a noose) tightened around Mahishasur, who lays distraught at her feet. His previously used body of a buffalolies under Devi’s feet, from which Mahishasur is trying to escape. His end is nearing- the Simha (lion) of Maa Durga has his claw voraciously tearing the skin of the demon’s leg, while he roars fiercely at him. With a magnificent mane and naturalistic presentation, the lion embodies the wrath and might of his rider- Mahadevi, the great goddess.

Though her form is clearly that of a warrior, Maa Durga’s countenance carries the tranquillity of a mother and an ascetic. Her exquisite large eyes instill a divine calm in our hearts. Even while being at the center of a battlefield, Devi does not seek pleasure in violence. Her wrath is righteous, it is for the protection of her children, and is released not through her expressions but through her ayudhas (weapons). Her appearance other than her weapons and the lion underneath her circles us back to her role as the Enchantress of the Universe- “Bhuvana Mohini”, the Maha Maya in whom resides the beauty of the cosmos. On her head is a magnificent and distinctive-looking tiara crown whose embellishments curve around Devi’s flawless face. Her hair which Maa ties in the most exquisite buns while adorning herself for Shiva is open, and the tresses fall beautifully on her torso, reaching her rounded breasts that are covered with breast ornaments embellished with a striking floral pattern. Goddess Durga is wearing a sari in the dhoti style, which is covered with a gold waistband and its end-piece is used to create an awe-inspiring cape that falls on her posterior, forming a striking background for her presence in this brass idol.

Presenting a scene full of vigor and movement in a material such as brass is not an easy task, but the artist has done full justice to the subject he chose. From every angle, it seems the subjects are about to move, that the trident of the goddess is about to pierce the heart of the demon and at any moment, we will hear the lion of the Simhavahini (rider of the lion) roar. 

The Fierce and Powerful Goddess Durga: Discovering the Symbolism and Significance

Goddess Durga is a revered deity in Hinduism and she is worshiped by many people in the eastern part of India and also in other countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. She is considered the mother of this material world who takes care of the conditioned souls trapped in the material existence. She protects them from the demons who threaten peace and establishes Dharma. In the Shakta tradition or Shaktism (those who believe that feminine energy is supreme), Mother Durga has been given the highest position. She is often considered the expansion of Mother Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva who is the destroyer of the material world. The Vaishnavas consider Mother Durga as the external energy of the Supreme Lord Krishna or Vishnu. She takes charge of the material world and reforms those souls who do not abide by the rules of the Supreme Lord.

Mother Durga is often depicted as a young and beautiful woman, wearing a saree, and sitting on a tiger or lion. She has multiple arms (usually ten arms) that hold different items and weapons that express her martial skills. She tramples down the demon Mahishasura, with her trident, representing the subduer of vices.

What does Durga symbolize?

Being the powerful assistant of the Supreme Lord, Mother Durga tests our dedication to the Lord. She represents the material nature and like a loving mother, she gives a clarion call to all forgetful souls to turn their faces towards Lord Krishna, who is the only well-wisher of all living entities. The depiction of her violently killing the demon Mahishasura with her trident shows her extraordinary prowess. Mahishasura represents our demoniac mentality that wants to enjoy separately from the Supreme Lord, forgetting our eternal relationship with Him. Goddess Durga killing the demon symbolizes the victory of good over evil or wisdom over ignorance.

Where are Durga statues made in Kolkata?

The worship of Goddess Durga is prominent in festivals such as Durga Puja, Durga Ashtami, Navaratri, etc. On those days, people gather at a place and a big idol or deity of Goddess Durga is worshiped with faith and devotion. These idols of the Goddess are made in a place called Kumortuli, located near Kolkata, West Bengal. This city is renowned for its beautiful clay sculptures made by local manufacturers.

Can we keep Durga idol at home?

You can keep a Durga deity at your home if you want to attract her mercy into your life. Goddess Durga is very merciful toward her devotees and when pleased, she bestows them with both material and spiritual benefits. Those who approach and worship Goddess Durga with material desires in their hearts, she fulfills them. But if a person genuinely approaches her and prays to her to reveal about the Absolute Truth and the real goal of human life to them, being the superintendent of the Supreme Lord Vishnu, she blesses them with the light of knowledge about the Lord and inspires them to walk the path of devotion to Lord Vishnu.