Kali Conquers Raktabija

Description Devi, the Great Goddess of the Hindu traditions, embodies power and energy ("shakti"), using her strength to defeat demons. The demon Raktabija, however, presented a special challenge. Every time a drop ("bija," “seed”) of his blood ("rakta") fell to the ground, a clone of the demon arose. Devi—seen here riding her lion, energetically wielding weapons in her many arms—created a fearsome emanation of herself, the emaciated goddess Kali. As Kali lapped up Raktabija’s blood, she was able to defeat him.

Exhibitions

• Desire and Devotion: Art from India, Nepal, and Tibet in the John and Berthe Ford Collection. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara; Albuquerque Museum, Albuquerque; Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham; Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong. 2001-2003.

Provenance John and Berthe Ford, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 2001, by gift.

Credit Gift of John and Berthe Ford, 2001