Calcutta Art Studio Chromolithograph
Region / Date
India (Kolkata, Bengal School context)
1885–1890
Key Features
This elegant diptych brings together two powerful yet contrasting manifestations from the sacred tradition of the Mahavidyas-revealing the Divine Feminine as both nurturing abundance and transformative शक्ति.
On the left is Kamala, seated serenely upon a lotus, bathed in grace as elephants perform abhisheka (ritual lustration). Her iconography mirrors that of Lakshmi, signifying prosperity, fertility, and auspiciousness. With her gestures of abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (boon-giving), Kamala represents material and spiritual abundance, reminding us that wealth, when aligned with dharma, becomes a divine blessing.
On the right stands Bhairavi, the fierce yet composed embodiment of transformative शक्ति. Though depicted here in calm dignity, her garland of skulls and association with Bhairava reveal her deeper nature as a force of destruction, discipline, and inner awakening. She holds sacred knowledge (book) and spiritual practice (mala), symbolizing the path of tapas (austerity) and self-realization. Bhairavi dissolves ignorance and ego, guiding the seeker through the fire of transformation.
Together, the composition expresses a profound Tantric balance:
Kamala grants the fullness of life, while Bhairavi teaches the transcendence of it.
The visual harmony-lotus-filled waters and celestial elephants contrasted with Bhairavi’s mountainous stillness-mirrors the dual journey of the soul: from worldly fulfillment to spiritual awakening.
Rooted in Bengal’s devotional and Tantric traditions, this artwork captures how the Mahavidyas are not opposites, but complementary expressions of the same cosmic शक्ति.
Philosophically, it conveys:
true prosperity is incomplete without transformation, and true transformation is grounded in divine grace.
Museum-Grade Poster Details
Size: 18 × 24 inches
Paper: 350 GSM archival matte paper
Print Quality: High-resolution reproduction preserving chromolithographic richness and detail
Finish: Non-glare museum matte finish
Ideal For: Devotional spaces, Tantric practitioners, and collectors of Mahavidya art
Why You’ll Love It
A rare Mahavidya pairing that beautifully captures the harmony of abundance and awakening.
Order Now
Invite the blessings of Kamala & Bhairavi, a sacred union of prosperity and transformation.
Available in 18 × 24 inches, with framed and unframed options, exclusively at The Soma Store.