Durga Killing Demon Rakta-bija Lot n° 27

Specifications: Water Color Painting On Paper Artist: Kailash Raj 9.0 inch x 6.5 inch This miniature, a blend of diverse iconographic models – a conceptual form of Kali, a miniaturized figure of Durga rendered with minute details and complete adherence to her classical ‘Ashtabhujadhari’ iconography, and a large bodied demon with a pair of horns and an animal like tail, a demon’s usual form as it emerges in imagination, an excellent piece of art, portrays the timeless and exceptionally symbolic legend of the demon Rakta-bija whom Durga kills. Rendered pursuing early nineteenth century Pahari art style and an earlier masterpiece as its model, the theme and its spirit in every exactness, this piece of paper comes out with the legend of the annihilation of Rakta-bija, as its focal point without engaging the eye into subsidiary or formal details, especially those comprising the background. It is hence that the artist has conceived an unadorned plain background rendered in turmeric yellow with no form at all. Various ancient texts have dealt with the legend of Durga killing Rakta-bija. As usual, there are also some variations in their accounts, however, those in Vamana Purana and Devi Bhagavata are more often pursued and considered more authentic. As these texts have it, Rakta-bija was variedly Rambha’s transform, as also the son and the minister of Mahisha, the buffalo demon; hence, the legend of Rakta-bija is entwined with the legend of Mahisha, a descendant of the demon king Danu. Danu had two sons, Rambha and Karambha who were without a son to continue the line. They, hence, decided to appease their Yaksha deity Malavata and obtain from him boons for sons. Rambha set himself amidst five fires, the same amidst which Parvati had accomplished penance for winning Shiva’s love. Karambha entered into deep waters. They thus began meditating upon their deity. Indra, well aware of their designs, took to the form of a crocodi