
Artist's commentary
Valiant Divine Beast
Durgā, who was born to destroy the demon god Mahiṣā, was given a variety of weapons by the gods. One of them was a Divine Beast, a gift from Himavat, god of the Himalayas. This Divine Beast is sometimes depicted as a lion.
Himavat's name means "one who holds snow," and he is said to be a deified personification of the Himalayan mountains. He is the father of Shiva's consort Umā, who is considered to be the same being as Pārvatī.
This Divine Beast has it all! It's fast! Strong! And cool! It's popular among children, and its fur is soft and fluffy too!
The most popular Indian Divine Beast has been crowned...or so we thought.
"But when it comes to durability and endurance, I am superior," claims Pārvatī's sacred cow, Nandi, with calm, unshakable composure.