Goddess Durga Bust

Karnataka

Wood with traces of polychroming

This decorative folk bust of Durga has an austere expression and an exaggeratedly proportioned torso, once painted to resemble a blouse. She is richly adorned with globular earrings, layered necklaces that hang low on her chest, and a striking tiered crown.

Durga – “The Unconquerable form of Devi” – Durga is the most splendid manifestation of Devi. Virginal and sublime, contain within her the power of all the gods combined, she is the invincible power of Nature who triumphs over those who seek to subjugate her. Durga is one of the names of the goddess that is the wife of Shiva. Durga has the role of a warrior goddess who destroys demons. She is usually depicted with ten arms that hold the weapons of the various gods. Her vahana is a lion which acts as her means of transportation and one of her many weapons.

During festive occasions, the utsavar (portable figures of deities) are placed on chariots or pedestals in the mandapam (audience hall of a temple) or on their respective vahana (vehicle) and taken out for public viewing or darshana. Darshana refers to the occasion where the devotee is not only able to see the image of the deity but also to sense its omnipresence.

Size (cms): 39(H) x 13(W) x 13(D)
Size (inches): 15.5(H) x 5(W) x 5(D)