Durga Mahishasura Mardini is a belief that is
related to the Uma, which is a very important goddess in Brahmin-Hindu. It is
now considered that she is consort of the lord Shiva, the highest deity in
Hinduism, Shiva cult. The belief about Durga Mahishasura Mardini began to
appear in Indian culture in the post vedic period as a
local goddess who gave victory. From the post vedic period to the Gupta period,
the belief about Durga was combined with Uma and was elevated to become a
consort or Shakti of Shiva. Durga or Durga Mahishasura Mardini was, therefore,
a fierce part of Uma. When Indian civilization spread to
Southeast Asia, there was a worship of her, which appeared as a work of art in
various kingdoms that have been civilized from India, such as Java, Khmer,
etc., in the Thai land. In this period, at least 3 pieces of durga Mahishasura
Mardini culture were found. Those included 1) sculpture
from Sri Mahosot, Prachenburi 2) possessions of H.H.
Prince Phanuphan Yukol and 3) lintel from prasat mueng
kak, Nakhon Ratchasima. The 3 sculptures were artistic
styles that represent Indian art, Khmer art and Javanese art.
