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Vishnu Vanquishing the Demons Madhu and Kaitabha (recto).. c1775. Creator: Unknown
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Vishnu Vanquishing the Demons Madhu and Kaitabha (recto).. c1775. Creator: Unknown
Vishnu Vanquishing the Demons Madhu and Kaitabha (recto), Folio from a Devimahatmya (Glory of the Goddess), c1775
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Media ID 36368643
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1770s Aquatic Bird Asura Beheaded Beheading Conquered Decapitated Decapitation Defeat Defeated Devi Mahatmya Devimahatmya Durga Sapta Sati Hindu Hinduism Killing Legend Legendary Lotus Pond Madhya Pradesh Markandeya Purana Opaque Watercolor And Gold On Paper Pond Slaying South East Asia Southeast Asia Southeast Asian Vanquished Vishnu Water Bird Waterbird Hindoostan Watercolour On Paper
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This stunning 18th century artwork depicts the Hindu deity Vishnu in the act of vanquishing the demons Madhu and Kaitabha. The scene unfolds on the recto of a folio from a Devimahatmya, a text that celebrates the glory of the Goddess. The image is rendered in opaque watercolor and gold on paper, and is believed to have originated in India or Southeast Asia. Vishnu, depicted as a man with multiple arms, stands at the center of the composition, surrounded by a serene lotus pond. The demons Madhu and Kaitabha, shown as men with animal and aquatic bird features, attempt to assault Vishnu from either side. The deity, however, remains unfazed, and with a swift and powerful gesture, beheads both demons. The defeated demons are depicted with their heads detached from their bodies, lying at Vishnu's feet. The legend of Vishnu's victory over Madhu and Kaitabha is recounted in various Hindu texts, including the Markandeya Purana and the Devimahatmya. According to the story, the demons, who had been granted immortality by the gods, became a menace to the world. Vishnu, in his incarnation as Narasimha, took on the demons and defeated them, thus restoring peace and order. This artwork is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of India and Southeast Asia, and offers a glimpse into the intricate mythology and iconography of Hinduism. The three figures, with their dynamic poses and intricate details, are a feast for the eyes and a reminder of the enduring power of religious art.
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