The Hindu deity Durga victorious over the buffalo demon

The mighty warrior goddess Durga was brought forth by the male gods to conquer a buffalo demon they could not overcome. Here the battle is over, and Durga stands in graceful triumph on the demon’s severed head. In those remaining of her original eight hands she holds a variety of weapons and implements associated with other deities, such as Vishnu’s war discus and conch, and Shiva’s trident.

This sculpture, showing Durga at rest in victory, is typical of representations from the great Chola kingdom (862– 1310) of southeastern India. Elsewhere in India, Durga was frequently shown in action, attacking the demon.