Maa Lakshmi, or Sri-Lakshmi, in her origin hymn- the Sri Suktam is closely associated with the fertility of the earth and abundance. She is seen as the personification of the “moistness” of the earth, which is behind the lush green fields- wealth in the form of agricultural produce. In this form, Sri Devi is also related to the earth goddess Bhudevi. This marvelously beautiful representation of goddess Lakshmi presents the mother goddess as the protector and enricher of fields. The Sthapati (creator) of this bronze has applied known iconographical devices in making the icon- fuller breasts, a rounded face, and a voluptuous physique, to bring out the idea of Lakshmi as a woman brimming with the signs of motherhood and reproductive prowess.
Goddess Lakshmi is sitting in the Lailtasana- the posture of royal ease, on an upturned lotus pedestal. Her perfectly round face encapsulating the glow of a new mother is framed by an especially ornate mukuta (crown) and two Kundala (earrings). Her arms are plump- decorated with Skanda Mala (shoulder ornaments) and Baajubanda (armbands). Devi’s exquisite necklaces dangle over and between her round breasts, which are secured by a flower-adorned Kuchabandha (breast band). The curves of her elegant figure are highlighted by the Channavira that runs in two lines across her belly. Maa Lakshmi’s beautiful dhoti (lower body garment) is outlined by soft bumps all over her legs, showing its folds. Goddess holds two stylistically designed lotus flowers in her hands, with long stalks around which Devi’s fingers are fabulously delineated in this bronze sculpture. Attention is caught by the seamlessness of Maa Lakshmi’s almond eyes and fuller lips that give her a distinctly ethnic appearance.
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