page_title: Pratyangira
section_title: In Hindu Epics
hierarchical_section_title: Pratyangira / In Hindu Epics
caption_attribution_description: English: India, Gujarat, Kachchh (Kutch), circa 1700-1750 Drawings; watercolors Opaque watercolor and gold on paper; cloth backing Sheet: 22 3/8 x 20 5/8 in. (56.83 x 52.38 cm); Image: 20 3/4 x 19 1/8 in. (52.7 x 48.57 cm) Purchased with funds provided by Harry and Yvonne Lenart (M.91.128.1) South and Southeast Asian Art
context_page_description: Prathyangira, also called Narasimhi or Atharvana Bhadrakali is a Hindu Goddess associated with Shakti. She is described as a goddess with a male lion’s face and a female human body representing the union of Shiva and Shakti. She holds the combined destructive power of Shiva and Shakti. This combination of lion and human forms represents the balance of good and evil. In Shaktism, Pratyangira is Siddhilakshmi, a form of Guhya Kali.In Durga tradition, Pratyangira is Purna Chandi, the fiery destructive power of Brahman. In the Vedas, Pratyangira is Atharvana Bhadrakali, the goddess of Atharva Veda and magical spells.
context_section_description: Prathyangira is also mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Indrajit was performing "Nikumbala yaga" (a sacred ritual to worship Prathyangira) while Rama and his soldiers were waging war in Lanka. Hanuman came down to stop this ritual because he knew that if Indrajit completed it, he would become invincible.
caption: The Pratyangira yantra.
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