Important Notice

Granite
9th Century

Pallava Dynasty
Tamil Nadu

Height: 23.2 in (59 cm)


Chamundi is a form of Goddess Durga. She is one of the 'Saptamatrikas' or the seven divine mothers. She was enshrined as the chief goddess and titled 'Rudra' in the battle between Lord Shiva and the demon Jalandhara. Chamundi was expressly created to vanquish the two demons Chunda and Munda, who were very powerful. On destroying both of them, she took the title Chamunda or Chamundi. She is also one of the chief Yoginis, who wards off all evil.

This lovely stone sculpture of the Pallava dynasty depicts Chamundi. This goddess is four-handed. She is seated on a pedestal in the lalitasana posture. Her left main hand holds a skull-cup and the right main hand holds a sword. In her upper hands she holds a shield and spear. The ornaments are simple and the crown is elongated. Her thick and matted hair locks flow outwards gracefully. On careful observation one can see a skull within the locks. She also wears a heavy necklace of skulls, which helps in identifying the iconography. Her countenance is firm but calm. The uniform weathering of the idol gives it a graceful look.

The sculpture has great character. The iconography is rare and the stone has a lovely coarse texture.

Another sculpture from the same Saptamatrika group was sold in the December 2011 Collectibles Antiques auction (lot no. 5, Kaumari).

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