Goddess killing demon Dhoomralochana-Folio from an illustrated manuscript of Devi Mahatmya
56.38 -Folio 29 Reverse
Goddess killing demon Dhoomralochana-Folio from an illustrated manuscript of Devi Mahatmya
Description
The Devi Mahatmya of Markandeya Purana is probably the most popular text copied and illustrated in all parts of India for religious merit as well as for reading and recitation. It contains the myth of the destruction of the all-powerful demon Mahisha and his retinue, by goddess Durga, the embodiment of the energies of all the gods. The goddess takes various forms from fearsome to benign to kill the demons.
The wooden covers of this manuscript record the names of some of the family members of Atmaram Bhukanvala, an old affluent family of Surat. It is likely that the manuscript once belonged to the family.
The text narrates the story of the destruction of the demon Dhoomralochana. According to the story after listening to the news of the destruction of the demon Dhoomralochana by the goddess, the demon Shumbha gets agitated and orders two of his Mahadaityas - Chanda and Munda to attack the goddess. He ordered them to either capture or kill her in the fatal battle.
The folio depicts the goddess riding on her mount lion and the demon Dhoomralochana is seen burning inside a fire.
Collection
Indian Miniature Paintings
Object Type
Manuscript
Material
Water colour on paper
Schools/Culture/Period
Western India
Technique
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Date
Dated samvat 1776=1719 CE
Location
Surat
Dimension
folio 29.5 x 17.2 cms