The Dilemma of Durga

Reviews # 1, Review #2, Review #3
Durga is an archetype of strength. Her strength is celebrated in its various aspects: as a mother, giver and nurturer of life and as a destroyer in her “Kali” form. However popular culture worships the strength alone. “Dilemma of Durga” is a take on the popular image of Durga with a twist, where she is also vulnerable of her own desires while she delivers from her core strength.

Shiva and Vishnu are popular mythical figures one might encounter in temples and places of worship. From the brightly colored calendars with hyper realistic images of gods and goddesses, to the music albums of the 60’s. The religious message is so over bearing that often times, the mind blocks out the message they convey.

The all-powerful Shiva/Nataraaj is portrayed in his cosmic dance of “creation, existence and decimation”. He is dancing amidst a ring of fire on a new born. Then there is Vishnu. All creation originates from the navel of Vishnu while he is quietly reposed on a lotus flower. The point to ponder while observing all of these images are that they are highly dynamic and in keeping with the human condition. In a state of movement, they also remain in a state of repose.