The Goddess holds in her four hands a conch, a disc, a dagger and a trident. The chakra (discus), also often seen in the hands of Vishnu, symbolises the ability to cut through all obstacles and propel the wheel of life towards its goal. The three prongs of the trishula (trident) represent Devi’s power to create this world of images and forms with the three gunas, sattva (goodness), rajas (activity) and tamas (inertia), which according to Samkhya philosophy are the basis of the phenomenal universe. The dagger, the weapon of war, in one of Jaya’s left hands, symbolises her ability to conquer all debilitating fears and doubts of the mind. Hence the devas with their bejeweled crowns on her left, the austere rishis with their flowing beards and matted hair on her right and the householders alike pray to the Goddess:

O thou of form and activity beyond the ken of thought
O destroyer of all the enemies!
give the form, give the victory, give the fame,
kill the enemies.

Jaya Devi is terrorizing the enemies with her side-glances. The matchless radiance of her beautiful limbs is like a ravishing beauty. Look! Adorned with weapons and missiles, and riding on the shoulders of a lion, she is manifesting herself before the gods (deities), who are imploring her for success in their mission; the devout are standing to attention, with their hands folded; the sky is laden with white clouds; and the lion is marching ahead at a serene pace. The backdrop has a brown colour, matching the dark complexion of Devi. The exquisite and ensnaring contours of the gods speak of the wonderful brush of the artist; with flowing grey beards and matted hair, the devout are demonstrating their dedicated devotion. The artist has used his finest brush to paint the face of Devi; pleasant and aesthetic. Other characteristics of the portrait are that the distinct colours and their combinations balance harmoniously and pleasingly.