Height: 106.680 cm Asia OA 1872.7-1.78 Room 33: Asia Stone
sculpture of Durga Mahishasuramardini Orissa, eastern India,
13th century AD Durga defeats the buffalo-demon Mahisha The myth
of Durga killing the buffalo-demon Mahisha has been a popular
subject in Hindu sculpture from the early centuries AD. The
demon threatened the cosmic order. The gods were helpless and
begged Durga to subdue him. Armed with the weapons of the gods,
including This sculpture depicts the climax of the battle
between the goddess and the demon. Mahisha appears from the
severed neck of the buffalo as a man with a sword and shield.
Durga carries two quivers of arrows over her shoulder, and holds
a sword and trident with which she kills the demon. Her lion-
mount joins in the fight, biting Mahisha's leg. The energy and
activity of the demon and the lion contrast with Durga, who is
calm and serene as she defeats her opponent. Durga's victory
over Mahisha is celebrated in Bengal each year in the important
festival of Durgapuja. Large clay