Description

Durga, a principal manifestation of divine feminine power in Hinduism, is venerated as the ultimate guardian of her devotees. As a fierce embodiment of Parvati,consort of Shiva, she personifies shakti, the dynamic and potent force of female divinity. In her form as Mahishasuramardini, Durga assumes a multi-armed aspect to confront the demon Mahisha, who, disguised as a buffalo, symbolizes chaos and malevolence. When male deities proved incapable of vanquishing the demon, they each entrusted Durga with their weapons, empowering her for the cosmic battle. Depicted trampling the beast underfoot and piercing him with her trident, Durga compels Mahisha to reveal his human form and beg for clemency. Each of her eight arms bears a divine weapon, symbolizing the collective strength of the gods unified in her form.

Casted using the lost-wax technique, this sculptural shrine features architectural elements characteristic of Himachal Pradesh, notably its temple spire-like forms. Intended for a temple setting, the sculpture would have been displayed alongside other devotional images. The noticeably smoothed surface,a hallmark of Himachali icons, is attributable to both the inherent softness of bronze and the prolonged devotional handling these objects received. Such smoothing, often the result of ritual touching and anointing with oils, serves as a tangible record of centuries of worship, attesting to the sculpture’s active role in religious practice over the last millennium.