THE GODDESSES DURGA AND KALI

This painting depicts Durga, the great warrior goddess, seated serenely on her tiger, and Kali who represents the fierce aspect of Durga’s divine power. During a long battle between the gods and the demons, Durga is enlisted to fight the demon brothers, Shumbha and Nishumbha. Kali, an emanation of Durga’s ferocious capabilities, erupts from her forehead as a wild-haired and emaciated warrior carrying a tiger skin and wearing a necklace of skulls. She beheads the generals of the asura army, Chanda and Munda, and presents their heads to Durga. In turn, Durga crowns Kali with the victorious title, Chamunda.