Durga's legend centers around combating evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, prosperity, and dharma, representing the power of good over evil. Durga, on her lion, appeared before Mahishasura where the demon took on different forms and attacked the goddess. Each time, Durga would destroy his forms. At last, Durga slew Mahishasura with her trident when he was transforming as a buffalo demon. On the two extreme ends are Ganesha and Subramanya (aka Kartikeya) riding a peacock. With this avatar of their mother Paravati, the boy gods signify knowledge and strength respectively. Identifiable by the swan (purity) and owl (wisdom) this intricately crafted terracotta piece is flanked on the sides by the two supreme goddesses, Saraswati and Lakshmi. Along with the Mother of the Vedas, Saraswati and the Goddess of Prosperity Lakshmi, these three together form the Hindu pantheon.
