Goddesses in Hindu Worship

Durgā taming a buffalo

Durgā (Hindu deity)

Mahiṣāsuramardinī (Hindu deity)

Stone images--National Museum (Colombo, Sri Lanka)

This stone image, an eight armed goddess, falls into the category of cult deity. Found near Mihintale, Sri Lanka and perhaps dating to the Cola period, it is presently in the Colombo National Museum. Standing on the head of a buffalo and bearing the traditional weapons associated with Durga, the image, is a representation of the goddess as Mahisasuramardini. Dated in the 11th century A.D.

Sirima Kiribamune

Colombo National Museum, Sri Lanka

ca. 11th century A.D.

Period of study: 1986-1987

Version: 01/12/2012

Co-Author: Seneviratna, Harsha

Technical Officer: Wijesinghe, Lalith

Technical Assistant: Jayasundare, Subhashini

Photographer: Madanayake, I.S.

International Center for Ethnic Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation

American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies, Colombo

All rights reserved by International Center for Ethnic Studies, Sri Lanka.

Forms part of Photographic documentation of Women as depicted in early Sri Lankan sculpture and painting / Slide in present collection

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