Goddess Durga on Elephant

Description

Karnataka

Wood, extensively polychromed

An exceptional multi-armed articulated figure of the Goddess Durga riding her elephant vahana. She is seated on a complete chariot with a resplendent prabhavali which is painted with chauri bearers and a flaming aureole. Eight diminutive roundels are placed in an arch within the prabhavali each depicting a God riding their respective vahanas including Indra on elephant and Varuna on makara. The Goddess wears a patterned red and green blouse and an elaborate tiered crown. In her arms she carries various weapons, including a sword, cakra, conch, naga and shield.

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. Every year, during Navratri, processional images of the Goddess are carried in evocative ceremonies. Depending on the day of the festival, her vahana, the vehicle on which she rides changes, with each of her vehicles holding a different and unique significance. The elephant she rides here signifies happiness and prosperity.

Processional images such as these, are cast in metal or sculpted in wood, and sometimes painted or overlaid with metal in repoussé. They were primarily used during festivals and processions outside the temple. Under normal circumstances, they were stored within the temple, during which they were not worshipped. During festival times, the portable figure was ceremonially washed, clothed, bejewelled and symbolically fed. On festival days, the Goddess would be carried on a palanquin or on a specially prepared platform with a backdrop adorned with floral garlands and vermillion, to which this figure could be attached.

Size (cms): 93(H) x 69(W) x 45(D)
Size (inches): 36.5(H) x 27(W) x 17.5(D)