A magnificent antique Javanese bronze temple statue in the Majapahit style depicting Mahishasuramardini Durga seated on a lion, the mount of Parvati, Dawon.
 
Durga is a Goddess of War, the warrior form of Parvati, whose mythology centres around combating evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, prosperity, and Dharma the power of good over evil. Durga is also a fierce form of the protective mother Goddess, who unleashes her divine wrath against the wicked for the liberation of the oppressed, and entails destruction to empower creation. She is considered the destroyer of negativity.
 
Durga means ‘the invincible’ or ‘the inaccessible’. In this sculpture; she is shown with 8 arms holding various items. These include a blooming lotus, sword, prayer malas, trident, gada and bow. Her lower right hand is held up in the abhaya mudra or protection hand position. The deity is clothed in traditional Majapahit style. A halo can be seen behind her head symbolising her divinity.
 
Dimensions: 30 cm L x 12 cm W x 33 cm H
Talliston Country of Origin: Asia