The bestower of wealth and abundance, Maa Lakshmi can be seen in traditional iconography flanked by two elephants, with their trunks raised, performing consecration of the goddess. This imagery of Lakshmi has been developed based on the description of ancient texts where, upon her emergence after the Samudra Manthana- churning of the ocean, goddess Lakshmi is said to have been welcomed by elephants who sprinkled water on her- performing her Abhisheka.
Among other things, elephants’ connection with Devi Lakshmi can be understood as a symbol of her role as the provider of royalty. As the sovereign ruler of the realm of material and spiritual wealth, the goddess is often evoked as Rajyashree- Rajya meaning the realm ruled by a king and Shree is one of the oldest epithets for Maa Lakshmi. Elephants, the gigantic animals, have always been associated with kings, who used them as their mode of transportation, owing to their humongous size that inspired awe, respect, and fear. Kings and their Rajya (states) are a thing of the past today, but the wish to live like a king, luxuriously and full of material and spiritual riches still exists in numerous hearts. For realizing this aspiration of living a well-endowed life on every front, the goddess Gajalakshmi is worshipped.
In the bronze you see here, Devi Lakshmi can be seen with two elephants, one on each side, holding a pot of water in their trunk, with their front feet raised in the air. The base of the bronze is two-tiered, on top of which the goddess is given an upturned lotus pedestal, minutely decorated with attractive motifs. Maa Lakshmi is postured elegantly, slightly tilted to her right, wearing a conical crown that adds to the impact of her divine presence. The ornamentation of the Kiritamukuta (conical crown) is noteworthy, especially the peacock that is placed on the left side of the crown. The bird, like the elephants, signifies power and royalty in Indian culture. Holding two beautiful lotuses sophisticatedly, the goddess is adorned in the most pleasing fineries. From her main left hand, Maa Lakshmi is showering gold coins- an attribute used in icons to underline her abilities to provide everlasting wealth. Empowering commoners, kings, and Sri Vishnu himself, goddess Lakshmi finds a fitting representation in this bronze murti as the abode of all the luxuries and auspiciousness that is experienced in the creation.
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