This diminutive Mardhini, about 4.5 cm tall, is packed with details, it leaves one wondering the mechanics and the economics of making it.

The bronze shows Mardhini sitting on her vahana, a lion, with Mahisha resting horizontally on the buffalo he was pulled out of. The severed head of the buffalo is on our right, between the buffalo’s body and the lion’s hind legs.

Mardhini sitting on the lion while conquering Mahisha and Mahisha’s horizontal position (Reminds me of Ugranarasimha and Hiranyakasipu) are some of the unusual features.

Mardhini is holding a sword, arrow, Chakra, Trishul, Shankha, bow, and a shield in her hands. Starting from the lower right hand, clockwise. Her lower left hand is in Abhaya mudra.

For more details on Mardhini see anoter blog on her.

The casting is fine, for example see the way the bow is cast and the gaps between her hands. Initially, I thought it was a sandcast piece. But getting the gaps may be a challenge with sand casting.

The Vigraha is badly worn, and it looks to be intentional. The features of the lion, especially the face, suggests his may be from Karnataka.