Kali Presenting the Heads of Chanda and Munda to Durga: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya (Glory of the Goddess)

In order to engage in battle, Durga manifests as the fierce, emaciated goddess Kali. At the center of the frenzied battle, together with her lion vehicle (vahana), Kali beheads the demons Chanda and Munda. In the upper right, both goddesses appear: Kali presents the heads of the demons to Durga, who is shown in a benign form with many arms and holding a trident. In turn, Durga bestows the name Chamunda on her terrible manifestation.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Kali Presenting the Heads of Chanda and Munda to Durga: Scene from the Devi Mahatmya (Glory of the Goddess)
  • Date: ca. 1780
  • Culture: India (Himachal Pradesh, Guler)
  • Medium: Graphite and ink on paper
  • Dimensions: 5 5/8 x 7 9/16 in. (14.3 x 19.2 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, The Research Institute of the Scripps Clinic Gift, in honor of Lita Annenberg Hazen and Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 1995
  • Object Number: 1995.132.2
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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