top of page

Symbol Design

Self-Initiated Project

Overview

A detailed analysis of Goddess Skandamata, Goddess Katyayani Devi, and Demon Mahishasura and designing their Symbol.

Maa Skandamata: Goddess of Motherhood and Children

Skandamata is the fifth form of the Hindu Goddess Durga. Her name comes from Skanda, an alternate name for the war god Kartikeya, and Mata, meaning mother. As one of the Navadurga, the worship of Skandamata takes place on the fifth day of Navaratri. Skandamata is four-armed, three-eyed, and rides on a lion. One of her hands is in Abhaya Mudra position while the other is used to hold the infant form of her son Skanda on her lap.

Mood Board
Semiotics assignmnet 3[Pragya Asati].png
Final Symbol
icon devi.png
Design Decisions
  • It is observed from the mood board that Maa Skandamata has lotus in her two hands and she holds lord Kartikeya with her remaining two hands.

  • She rides a Lion.

  • She has her son Kartikeya on her lap.

  • She wears a black bindi.

  • She wears golden bangles. 

  • She has open hair. 

  • She wears a piece of unique and different jewelry. The design of the crown is also unique.

  • She wears a yellow saree with an orange blouse. The yellow color stands for happiness and brightness

  • She has hooded eyes which shows kindness.

  • I have used green color for the background to depict the love that she has towards children, kindness, affection, inner peace, and motherhood.

Maa Katyayani : Goddess of Power

Katyayani is one of the avatars of The Hindu Mother Goddess, Durga. She is seen as the slayer of the demon Mahishasura. She is also the sixth form amongst Navadurga. She may be depicted with four, ten, or eighteen hands.

Mood Board
Semiotics assignmnet 3[Pragya Asati] (1).jpg
Final Symbol
icon devi.png
Design Decisions
  • It is observed from the mood board that Maa Katyayani has a lotus in her upper right hand and holds a sword in her lower right hand. Her two left hands are in Ashirwad / Blessings posture.

  • She rides a lion.

  • She wears a garland made with white colour flowers.

  • She wears a red bindi.

  • She wears golden and red coloured bangles. 

  • She has open hair

  • She has unique and specific jewellery and design for her crown.

  • She wears a green saree with a red blouse. The green colour of her saree signifies new beginnings and growth.

  • She has big eyes showing alertness.

  • I have used Pacific Blue colour for the background to depict strength, wisdom, trust and loyalty.

Mahishasura : A Demon

Mahishasura was a buffalo Asura (Demon) in Hinduism. He is known among Hindus as a deceitful demon who pursued his evil ways by shape-shifting. Mahishasura was the son of Mahisi (Buffalo), and the great-grandson of Brahmarshi Kashyapa. He was ultimately killed by Goddess Durga by taking the avatar of Katyayani- after which She gained the epithet Mahishasuramardini ("Slayer of Mahishasura").

Mood Board
Semiotics assignmnet 3[Pragya Asati] (2).jpg
Final Symbol
icon devi.png
Design Decisions
  • Mahishasura is holding a sword and shield in his hands which depicts that he had a war with devi Katyayani

  • He rides a buffalo.

  • He has two horns and two big teeth as he was a buffalo Asura.

  • He has a unique form of tilak on his head.

  • He wears a lot of gold on his body. 

  • His skin colour is dark because he is the son of Mahesh (buffalo).

  • He has unique and specific jewellery and crown structure seen on the mood board.

  • He has a bent eye structure depicting evilness.

  • I have used red colour for the background to depict anger, danger, power, evil and aggression.

bottom of page