"Ugra Chandi" Eighteen Armed form of Goddess Durga from Nepal

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Goddess in this Nepalese brass icon is framed by a distinctive aureole which is used in the Hindu-Buddhist art of Nepal valley. The aura is embellished with stylized fiery motifs that mirror the elegance of tapering floral vines. Devi Ugra-Chandi’s crown is also designed in the traditional idiom of Nepalese brass work, with two Dhwaja (flags) and an imposing aureole attached to the Mukuta (crown). Devi’s otherworldly roopa (form) is adorned with ethnic jewelry and a striking Munda-Mala (garland of severed heads). A finely embellished dhoti (lower body garment) is wrapped around her slender waist forming delicate front folds and flowing in the tassels on the sides, which is smartly captured by the maker of this brass Ugra-Chandi statue. In sixteen of her eighteen arms, the mother-goddess holds powerful weapons with a paradoxical elegance in her grip.  In her primary right hand, Devi Ugra-Chandi has a khappar or bowl of blood and her left hand is in the "Bindu Mudra" the gesture of offering blood to a deity in Tantric rituals of Nepal.

Devi’s legs in this brass Ugra-Chandi icon are in the valiant “Pratya-alidha” posture, with her right leg slightly bent and left leg extended, one placed on the back of a crouching lion and the other on the chest of a defeated Mahishasura. The buffalo demon is about the emerge from the body of a water buffalo as he is slayed by the goddess, a popular legend which is marked here by the severed head of the buffalo placed on the exquisitely made upturned lotus pedestal. This form of Ugra-Chandi was popularized under the Mallas of Nepal who worshipped her with great devotion. Later on, Devi Durga as Ugra-Chandi became the supreme protectress of the Nepal valley.

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.