Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva may have created the original Durga. But using Midjourney AI, My Kolkata has done something even the gods did not think of — imagine Durga in multiple avatars, each for a specific situation. This includes Durga merging into Shiva, turning into a refugee as well as becoming a cricketer! Without any further ado, behold Ma Durga and her seven unseen forms
Durga as Shiva in Kailash: Look closely at every Durga idol you see this Puja and you will find Shiva lurking nearby, either in the form of a small photograph or as a mini-idol. In rare instances, you might even spot Durga in the garb of Parvati, her avatar when the goddess is living with her husband in Kailash. But what if Durga and Shiva were to become one? What would that combination of divinity look like? The spellbinding answer is in front of you, where a serene Durga is dressed and seated exactly like Shiva, immersed in meditation, as an innocent Nandi watches over
Durga as a warrior in outer space: While Durga is believed to have fought and killed Mahishasura on earth, this is what a face-off between good and evil looks like in outer space. Durga, balancing on a huge but headless Mahishasura, is in command, wielding her weapons with characteristic grace, even in the midst of cosmic chaos. A ferocious lion backs Durga up as the moon provides just enough light to illuminate the battle scene and its ensuing carnage
Durga with five of her big cats: For once, it is Durga’s mount(s) and not the goddess that hogs the limelight. Not least because there are five of them! All different in their appearances, they are matched in their intensity to destroy whoever crosses their path. What is even more interesting is that the big cats to Durga’s left resemble lions while those to her right seem more like tigers. As for Durga herself, her relaxed, even smiling face, feels oddly understandable. After all, even a goddess need not exert herself when surrounded by such feline fabulousness
Durga with baby Ganesh and baby Kartik: We are accustomed to seeing Durga with her sons, both of whom are a vital part of the festivities every autumn. However, both Ganesh and Kartik are generally welcomed and worshipped as adults. In this case, we see them at their adorable best as kids, luxuriating in the indulgence of their mother. Flanked by baby elephants and with a sizable mouse in the vicinity, this is a wholesome portrait of a happy family. Just in case you are finding it hard to tell Ganesh from Kartik, we suggest you judge by the plumpness of their cheeks!
Durga with Lakshmi and Saraswati: An epitome of elegance, Durga is in a pleasant mood here, with Lakshmi and Saraswati for company (we cannot quite tell them apart, though!). What makes this unique is not so much the presence of the goddesses but the absence of the rest of the retinue. In what seems like heaven’s version of Galentine’s Day, the pitch-black lions also stand out, if nothing else for their cute yet confused eyes. The setting, with a mesmerising interplay of soft light and colours, adds an element of enigma to this avatar
Durga as a war refugee: With the world more consumed by more war than it has ever been since 1945, a refugee role for Durga feels horrifyingly real. Although Durga is by no means a regular refugee. Her battle armour remains in place, as does the steeliness of a warrior ready to fight till the bitter end. The smoke, the dust and the despondent animals around Durga lend this avatar a distinct Game of Thrones vibe. Are we the only ones who think that Durga could pass off as Daenerys Targaryen in a ravaged King’s Landing?!
Durga as a cricketer: For the first time this century, the greatest festival of cricket has coincided with the greatest festival of Bengal. Naturally, this calls for Ma Durga as a champion cricketer, who, needless to say, will be the best all-rounder the game has ever seen! (sorry, Sir Garfield Sobers, but you are human). With her blue eyes and cream attire, Durga has already revolutionised the game with the most unconventional batting grip and stance. Not to mention the sphere that her left-most hand is holding, which could pummel a real cricket ball as hard as anything Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are capable of!
