Maheshwari- the great (Maha) goddess (Ishwari) Durga is the most powerful Roopa (form) of the divine feminine worshipped by the celestial beings and humans as the protector of the three realms. Appearing as a transcendental queen mother in this Panchaloha bronze, goddess Durga represents the Hindu ideal of Adi-Shakti, the primordial female energy.
On a simple platform, the mount of the goddess – lion is sculpted in a powerful and dynamic stance. Small ears, luxurious mane, an open jaw full of sharp fangs, and the long curling tail of the Simha (lion) create a robust throne for the bronze goddess Durga. With her legs placed in the royal Lalitasana posture, the eight-armed goddess Durga in this sculpture is emanating the culmination of the powers of all the Hindu gods. Each attribute in her hands is an offering to the divine mother from the Devatas (gods), who evoked the Simhavahini (rider of the Simha) Durga in an exhilarating Stuti (devotional hymn) described in the pages of the Shiva Maha Purana.
The gods adorn Devi Durga with divine epithets such as Para-Amba (primordial mother) who bestows Moksha, one who originates, nurtures, and annihilates. She is the enchantress of the three realms “Tripura-Sundari”, one who is undefeated “Aparajita”, protector of those who seeks refuge in her “Rudrani”. As the sovereign mother of the entire creation, goddess Durga as seen in this bronze icon is worshipped as “Ananatakoti Brahmanda Nayika”.
An imposing Kiritamukuta crown adorned with peacock motifs and tiny chains framing Devi’s forehead appears divinely regal. Disc-shaped “Dehri” earrings with jeweled chains attached to them, four ornate necklaces, bejeweled armbands, waistbands, and anklets beautify the form of the great Maa Durga in this bronze icon. With fine incised lines, the soft folds of her suave sari that clings to her angelic form are delineated. The pleats of the goddess’s sari that fall in the front are beautifully carved by the sculptor, with a true-to-life softness of fabric felt in the way it is visible between Maa Durga’s legs. The reverse of this goddess Durga bronze icon carries details such as seven strands of Devi’s hair falling on her back, the end piece of the sari clinging to her, and fleshiness in the goddess’s form.
Maheswari Durga in this Panchaloha conveys heavenly tranquility through her countenance on which a pleasing inward smile is felt. With her hand raised in the gesture of fearlessness and her lotus foot dangling as the ultimate sanctuary, goddess Durga in this bronze is the guardian of all beings, divine and earthly.
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