Goddess Jagadhatri

Krishnahari Das

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The goddess Jagatdhatri, seen here four-armed and riding her lion vehicle (vahana), is an esoteric aspect of Durga particularly worshipped in West Bengal and Odisha. She is the “Bearer of the World,” its protector and provider. In this remarkable image Jagatdhatri is seated on a lotus cushion carried by her lion who has his front paw triumphantly poised on the decapitated head of an elephant. Opposite are three Hindu ascetics (rishis) standing with their hands raised in reverence. A tumultuous landscape with rolling hills culminates in a vista of the Himalayas and Shiva’s abode, Mt Kailash. A radiant sunrise fills the sky. The artist Krishnahari Das is primarily known for his illustrations to books by Sourindro Tagore. Individual prints such as this are scarce.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art