The Warrior Goddess

Hindu images in Kalamkari illustrate rich mythology and attempt to express hidden powers through visual allegory. Durga is an ancient goddess as mentioned in the Markandeya Purana, Mahabharata etc. but was not so popular as she later came to be. When she was assigned the function of destroying demons like Mahisa, Chanda, Munda, Sumbha, Nishumbha, etc.

For a Kalamkari artist, colours do not either increase or decrease the impact of the image. Using minimal colours, he creates the sacred images. Right armed Durga, with a peaceful and tranquil expression on her face, stands erect against her mount, the magnificent lion. Her powers are represented by her multiple arms bearing numerous weapons. The two hands, which are not carrying the weapons, are in the abhaya (fearlessness) and the Kataka Mudra, instead of the varada mudra. She wears a tall crown and a number of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, armlets, anklets etc.

Mahisasura is symbolically placed at her feet, because she is not shown here in the process of killing him. As aforementioned, he is symbolic and hence inconspicuous. A lot of attention was paid to the deity's image with the consequence that the mount was neglected. The weak hind limbs of the powerful animal are a proof of it.

This description by Renu Rana.

Folk Art of Andhra Pradesh