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Durga Mahishasuramardini

Southern Cambodia

late 7th–early 8th century

Not on view

Durga as the slayer of the buffalo demon was a popular cult in early Brahmanical Cambodia, where she was consistently represented in a benign, not wrathful, form. The goddess has a firm, youthful body and wears a skirt with a triple fan at the front. Her allegiance to Vishnu is conveyed by her wearing Vishnu’s crown and sometimes made explicit by the display of his conch shell and discus. The polished finish and the sculptor’s command of form create an image of great beauty. Robed and jeweled in a dimly lit sanctuary, she would have been an awesome presence.

cat. no. 66

Durga Mahishasuramardini, Sandstone, Southern Cambodia — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Durga Mahishasuramardini, Sandstone, Southern Cambodia

Durga Mahishasuramardini, Sandstone, Southern Cambodia

Durga Mahishasuramardini, Sandstone, Southern Cambodia

Durga Mahishasuramardini, Sandstone, Southern Cambodia

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Durga Mahishasuramardini

Period: Pre-Angkor period

Date: late 7th–early 8th century

Culture: Southern Cambodia

Medium: Sandstone

Dimensions: H. (incl. tenon) 42 1/2 in. (108 cm); W. 16 1/2 in. (42 cm); D. 6 1/4 in. (16 cm); Wt. 122 lbs (55.3 kg)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh (Ka.1631)

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