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Goddess Durga – Mahishasuramardini | Original Bengali Folk Art by Probir Chitrakar

Name: Goddess Durga – Mahishasuramardini | Original Bengali Folk Art by Probir Chitrakar
Brand: Canvas Wiggle
Availability: InStock

Artist: Probir Chitrakar
Style: Bengali Folk Art / Pattachitra-inspired Traditional Art
Subject: Goddess Durga, Mahishasuramardini and the Divine Family
Medium: Please confirm
Size: Please confirm
Availability: Original Artwork

About the Artwork

This original artwork by Probir Chitrakar celebrates one of the most revered narratives in Indian mythology—the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, symbolising the victory of divine strength over evil and the restoration of cosmic balance.

At the centre of the composition, Goddess Durga appears in her powerful multi-armed form, surrounded by an elaborate assembly of divine figures. Her presence commands the painting, while the surrounding deities, sacred animals and mythological characters create a richly layered visual narrative.

The artwork reflects the distinctive visual traditions of Bengal, where Goddess Durga is celebrated not only as the vanquisher of Mahishasura but also as a divine mother returning with her family. The composition brings together devotion, mythology and the expressive storytelling associated with Bengali folk art.

Symbolism & Meaning

The painting brings together several important figures and symbols from the traditional Durga Puja narrative.

Goddess Durga: Represents divine feminine power, protection, courage and the restoration of righteousness.
Mahishasura: The demon defeated by Durga, symbolising the forces that threaten harmony and balance.
The Lion: Durga’s traditional mount, associated with strength, courage and fearlessness.
Goddess Lakshmi: Represents prosperity, abundance and well-being.
Goddess Saraswati: Associated with knowledge, wisdom, music and the arts.
Lord Ganesha: Revered as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of auspicious beginnings.
Lord Kartikeya: Associated with courage, valour and divine protection.

The presence of Durga’s divine family reflects a particularly cherished Bengali tradition in which the goddess is celebrated as both a powerful protector and a beloved mother.

Visual & Artistic Details

A commanding central depiction of Goddess Durga
Multiple arms carrying symbolic weapons and divine attributes
Mythological figures arranged around the central goddess
The lion and the defeated Mahishasura
A richly detailed decorative border featuring repeated faces and miniature figures
An elaborate upper panel with additional mythological imagery
Expressive figurative forms and traditional ornamental patterns
Bold outlines and intricate detailing throughout the composition

The elaborate border and upper panel extend the narrative beyond the central scene, creating a visual world that invites viewers to explore the painting in detail.

Colour & Composition

The artwork is distinguished by its vibrant palette of red, ochre, yellow, blue, green, pink and earthy tones.

The dominant red and warm hues reinforce the energy and spiritual intensity of the central goddess. Contrasting colours distinguish the surrounding deities and figures, while the intricate ornamental border provides structure and visual continuity.

The composition is vertically organised around Durga, with surrounding figures arranged in layered panels. This creates a sense of depth and movement while preserving the decorative character of traditional Bengali folk painting.

Artistic Approach

Probir Chitrakar brings together mythological storytelling and the visual language of Bengali folk art.

The painting reflects the traditional approach of presenting a sacred narrative through expressive figures, bold outlines, vivid colours and detailed decorative elements. Rather than isolating the central deity, the artist places Durga within a larger mythological setting, allowing the surrounding figures and ornamental panels to contribute to the story.

This layered composition celebrates the relationship between devotion, cultural memory and visual storytelling.

Why This Artwork Stands Out

Original artwork by Bengali folk artist Probir Chitrakar
Depicts the powerful story of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura
Features Durga and her divine family in a richly detailed composition
Celebrates the mythology and cultural traditions of Bengal
Elaborate decorative border and intricate narrative elements
Vibrant colours and expressive folk-art imagery
A distinctive statement piece for collectors of Indian folk and spiritual art
Ideal for homes, galleries, cultural interiors and collectors of traditional Indian artwork

Original Artwork by Probir Chitrakar

This is an original artwork by Probir Chitrakar, a seventh-generation Bengali folk artist from West Bengal, India.

Specialising in traditional Pattachitra and Kalighat painting, Probir draws inspiration from Bengal’s rich cultural heritage, mythology, folklore and storytelling traditions.

His artistic practice reflects the enduring connection between painting and storytelling in Bengali folk culture, where images serve as a way of preserving and sharing stories across generations.