Out of manifestations, worship of the Mother Goddess Durga as Mahishasuramardini has been a tradition since ages.
\nFrom time immemorial Mother Goddess was a popular deity in the Universe. The worship of Sakti (Mother Goddess) has been in vogue in some form or the other since the Harappan Civilization in India. In the vedic era, the Mother Goddess appears in the form of Prithvi or Universe and later on she was called Aditi, Prakriti, Durga, Gauri, Kali, Bhawani, Chamunda, Maheshwari, Kalaratri, Katyani etc.
\nGoddess Durga became the Supreme Deity of adoration in Indian classical literature.
\nIn this monograph the author gives an interesting and fascinating account of Durga, the Mahishasuramardini from the literature and iconography. He traces the origin and development of the Mother Goddess concept from Puranas to late Vijaya Nagar period.
\nHe also deals in detail description of Mother Goddess not only in India but also in neighbouring countries in iconography and art, in a chronological order starting from Kushanas to late Vijaya Nagar or even later periods. This book further deals elaborately with the various forms of Mother Goddess in different periods in clay, stone, bronze, paintings, etc.
\nBesides, it enriches the reader with the exhilarating experience of drinking deep from the fountain head of ideas vibrant with life-force and surcharge with devotion and passion for perfection.
