These terms—Deepalakshmi, Lakshmideepa, Kamakshi (the one with the wonderful eyes), Amman (mother), or Pavai Vikkau (woman lamp)—are used to refer to exquisite sculptures of South Indian ladies that hold enormous oil plates in their hands and function as exquisite oil lamps in shrine sanctums. The word "Lakshmi" prefix, when combined with the word "Deepa" (light), refers to young maidens or household ladies in general. These women are said to represent fertility and auspiciousness, qualities associated with the goddess Lakshmi.
Deepalakshmi lights are votives that are placed close to the main deity and are given by wealthy devotees upon having their prayers granted. A Deepalakshmi, perpetually standing in their lord's court, symbolizes the domestic woman as a devotee and her boundless gratitude to the god. These bronze Pavai Vikau or Deepalakshmi statues are crafted in traditional iconography, with elaborate hairdos and parrots accompanying them. The pair stands on individual lotus pedestals and smiles beautifully while holding the lamps.
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