Goddess Jagadhatri
The goddess Jagatdhatri, seen here four-armed and riding her lion vehicle (vahana), is an esoteric aspect of Durga particularly worshipped in West Bengal and Odisha. She is the “Bearer of the World,” its protector and provider. In this remarkable image Jagatdhatri is seated on a lotus cushion carried by her lion who has his front paw triumphantly poised on the decapitated head of an elephant. Opposite are three Hindu ascetics (rishis) standing with their hands raised in reverence. A tumultuous landscape with rolling hills culminates in a vista of the Himalayas and Shiva’s abode, Mt Kailash. A radiant sunrise fills the sky. The artist Krishnahari Das is primarily known for his illustrations to books by Sourindro Tagore. Individual prints such as this are scarce.
Artwork Details
- Title: Goddess Jagadhatri
- Artist: Krishnahari Das
- Date: ca. 1880
- Culture: West Bengal, Calcutta
- Medium: Lithograph, printed in black
- Dimensions: Sheet: 15 1/8 × 12 5/16 in. (38.4 × 31.3 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Purchase, Robert and Bobbie Falk Philanthropic Fund Gift, 2021
- Object Number: 2021.193
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Krishnahari Das
1880
Shib Gobin Lal
ca. 1870–80
Sasadhar Banarjee
ca. 1875–85
G. C. Dass
Unidentified artist
ca. 1880–85 (recto); ca. 1875–85 (verso)
Sasadhar Banarjee
ca. 1875–85
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