Kaumari Chanda Bhairav
Uday Charan Shrestha, 2018
Oil on canvas
62 × 77 cm

© Uday Charan Shrestha

Ashta Matrikas, or the eight tantric forms of the goddess Parvati, are not only very popular and important in the Kathmandu Valley but are also seen as regional protectors. Ashta Matrika temples surround Kathmandu Valley, and there is a tradition of traditional devi dance performances at festivals with Ashta Matrikas characters. This painting features one of the matrikas kaumari devi, and her Bhairav, the chanda bhairav, as a couple.

Bhairav is believed to be the tantric and terrible form of Shiva, and occupies a central place in Kathmandu, where the Bhairav festivals and carnivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. In traditional Nepali paubha styles, the large, chief deity is pictured in the centre. Other related deities are of a smaller dimension and are positioned around the periphery. If it is a picture of Bhairav accompanied by Shakti, then Bhairav is larger and more prominent, while Shakti, seated to his left, is smaller. Thus, in this painting, Kaumari is the chief deity and is given greater prominence. She is larger while Chanda Bhairav is smaller. The painting depicts the red glow of blood against a terrifyingly dark atmosphere. This scene is not rooted in myth or legend, but is the product of my imagination.