Mahishasuramardini is the form of which deity?
- A.Lakshmi
- B.Durga
- C.Saraswati
- D.Parvati as Annapurna
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is B, Durga. Mahishasuramardini means the slayer of the buffalo demon Mahishasura, and the form shows the many-armed goddess, each hand holding a weapon given by a god, driving her trident into the demon as he emerges from the buffalo's body, with the lion at her side. Option A is wrong because Lakshmi is shown seated or standing on a lotus with elephants pouring water, a form called Gaja-Lakshmi, and holding lotuses and coins. Option C is wrong because Saraswati holds the veena and the manuscript and rides the swan. Option D is wrong because Annapurna is the benign form that gives food, shown serving from a vessel, and carries no weapons. The Mamallapuram and Aihole panels are the examples quoted for this form.
Read the full article: Iconography of Indian Art: Mudras, Avatars, Symbols
Practice Questions
View allThe Bhumisparsha mudra of the Buddha represents which event of his life?
- A.The first sermon at Sarnath
- B.The enlightenment at Bodh Gaya
- C.The great renunciation
- D.The death at Kushinagar
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In the Bhumisparsha, or earth-touching, mudra the Buddha sits with the left hand in his lap and the right hand lowered with the fingers pointing to the ground, calling the earth to witness that he had earned the right to enlightenment against the temptations of Mara.
Read the full explanation →Which mudra of the Buddha is associated with the first sermon at Sarnath?
- A.Dhyana mudra
- B.Abhaya mudra
- C.Dharmachakra mudra
- D.Varada mudra
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The gesture joins the thumb and forefinger of each hand into a circle, the wheel, and holds them before the chest, marking the turning of the wheel of law in the deer park at Sarnath, where the Buddha preached to his first five disciples.
Read the full explanation →The conch of Vishnu is known by which name?
- A.Sudarshana
- B.Panchajanya
- C.Kaumodaki
- D.Sharanga
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Vishnu is recognised by four attributes, and each has its own name: the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana, the mace Kaumodaki and the lotus.
Read the full explanation →Which avatar of Vishnu is depicted as a boar?
- A.Kurma
- B.Varaha
- C.Narasimha
- D.Vamana
Show answer
The correct answer is B, Varaha, the boar, third in the usual sequence of ten avatars, carved either fully as a boar or with a boar's head on a human body, often lifting the earth goddess on one tusk.
Read the full explanation →The Nataraja image shows Shiva performing which dance?
- A.Ananda tandava
- B.Lasya
- C.Garba
- D.Chhau
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The Nataraja shows Shiva within a ring of flames, hair flying, the damaru drum in one hand and fire in another, the right foot pressing down the dwarf of ignorance called Apasmara and one hand raised in the gesture of protection; the form is linked with Chidambaram and is the…
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