Mahishasura Mardini

The depiction of Mahishasuramardini is a fascinating theme in Indian imagery. Mahishasuramardini, the ‘slayer of the buffalo demon’, is another name of Durga when in the act of slaying the demon who had assumed buffalo (mahisa) form symbolising evil and death. In this context Durga represents the divine essence, an invincible fragment of absolute being and assumes the form of the Cosmic Mother.

The Tamasic image of Mahishasuramardini is armed with various implements of war and is perceived to be destroying evil forces. It has a fearsome expression on its face and its posture reflects great pleasure in the acts of destruction.