A graciously adorned Devi Lakshmi stands on an upturned lotus plinth. Tall and formed in the finest proportions of womanhood, every aspect of Her is in keeping with Her classical iconography. She is the wife of Lord Vishnu and the presiding deity over wealth and resources.
While She is usually the dvibhujadharini (the one possessed of two arms) whenever She is next to Him as part of an ensemble, in Her standalone iconography - like in the murti that you see on this page - She is the chaturbhujadharini (the one possessed of four arms).
A dhoti wound tightly around the hips below the navel. The silhouette of Her slender musculature revealed rather than concealed under its embroidered surface. A breastband of gold and layers of necklaces clothe the upper torso. Fishtail sashes in the crease of Her arms and down the sides of Her hips.
This brings us to the mudra (expressive stance) of Her four hands: the anterior ones are in the aashirvada (blessing) and abhaya (fearlessness) mudra, while the posterior ones hold up on either side of Her lotus-face a lotus each in partial bloom.
The mukhamandala (facial region) is the most striking aspect of this Devi Lakshi murti. An expressive, wide-set brow, below which are large eyes the shape of lotus petals. A long, aquiline nose and a gentle mouth that bears an expression of omnibenevolence. The tall, honeycomb crown on Her head is a signature element of the iconography of South India.
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