Mahadevi, the Great Goddess

Mahadevi, the Great Goddess

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In this twenty-armed form, Mahadevi holds an array of weapons, affiliating her with all the male gods. This iconography also associates her with Durga, the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahisha. Ultimately powerful and creative, Mahadevi is understood by her devotees as the the true reality in the universe. As she was the protector deity of the ruling household of Bikaner, this representation would have had special significance for the court.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Mahadevi, the Great GoddessMahadevi, the Great GoddessMahadevi, the Great GoddessMahadevi, the Great GoddessMahadevi, the Great Goddess

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.