The sculpture is historically significant in two aspects – development in religion and art. The worship of mother goddess in India is very ancient with evidence coming from the Indus Valley civilization (3500-1500 BC). The tenets of worship of female energy or Shakti having being established, its outward manifestation in the form of idols and sculpture was a natural corollary. The iconographic features of Durga became common throughout India by about the 4th century AD.

This sculpture of Durga is thought to be one of the Navadurgas (nine-Durgas), as it is difficult to identify her form very precisely for want of any other context. The iconography is typically of the goddess as it resonates with the attributes of a warrior goddess. This image depicts the goddess in the prime of her youth, rendered beautifully by the round modelling of her body. She is seated on a pedestal in Lalitasana, a pose in which one foot is on top of the other thigh, and the other foot is pendent. Sitting in a noticeably straight posture, she shows her unchallengeable power by carrying a sword or a khadga in her right hand and. In the other two hands she holds the shield, the fruit of bijapuraka while with the gesture of varada mudra with the remaining fourth hand, she bestows boons on her devotees. Adorned with the usual ornaments common to the sculptures of this region, she wears her hair dressed up as a crown, known as the jatamukuta. Yet her face remains calm and serene, as she unleashes her anger for the good of people and holds no hatred towards the evil.

Cultural significance: Durga is the most popular goddess, out of the nine main manifestations of Shakti. She embodies the power that destroys the devil forces or demons. She is the fierce protective mother goddess, willing to unleash her anger against wrong and evil and liberates the oppressed.

Spiritual significance: The goddess is worshipped in temples and homes, especially in the nine-day festival which is called Navdurga. It is a multi-day festival that features elaborate temple and stage decorations (pandals), scripture recitation, performance arts, revelry, and processions. A key text associated with Durga Puja observations is Devi Mahatmya, which is recited during the festival.