Deepalakshmi, Lakshmideepa, Kamakshi (one with lovely eyes), Amman (mother), or Pavai Vikkau (lady lamp), these terms are used to denote magnificent South Indian lady figures in sculpture, holding a large oil plate in their hands, serving as stunning oil lamps in the sanctum sanctorum of a shrine. The prefix “Lakshmi” attached to Deepa (lamp) is a generic Indian term for youthful maidens or women of the household, who are believed to embody auspiciousness and fertility, aspects related to the goddess Lakshmi. Placed in proximity to the central deity, Deepalakshmi lamps are votives, donated by affluent devotees after the fulfillment of their wishes. Standing eternally in the court of their lord, a Deepalakshmi represents the woman of the household and her unbounded gratefulness toward the god for their benevolence toward her family.
The tradition of bronze Pavai Vikkau or Deepalakshmi goes back to the time of the 3rd century B.C. ancient Tamil epic Shilapadikaram (the Jeweled Anklet), which describes life-size metal lady lamps decorating the streets during a temple festival. Sculptures of Deepalakshmi can also be seen in the temple pillars of famous South Indian shrines such as the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu, as signs of a flaming, immovable, and divine devotion. Exotic India Art has for you, the timeless devotional lamps- Pavai Vikkau or Deepalakshmi in pristine Panchaloha bronze, from the home of devotees and artists- Swamimalai.
The bronze pair of Deepalakshmi stands on an independent upturned lotus platform in the elegant “Abhanga” posture. The facial features of the Deepalakshmi pair are stunningly revealed- wide eyes, a sharp but large nose, and full lips that have a hint of a smile on them. The Deepalakshmi have their hair held in a bun which is adorned with various traditional hair ornaments that hold their flowing tresses in place while leaving a few curls on their forehead. Their flawless youth is beautified by Kundala (earrings), Chandra and Surya Pirai (moon and sun shaped hair pins), multiple Haaram (long necklace), Vanki (armband), Mekhla (girdle), and Nupur (anklet)- all traditional South Indian ornaments. A fine dhoti (lower body garment) with tiny jeweled edgings snuggles the lithesome legs of the Deepalakshmi bronzes, with its tassels making symmetrical curls on the sides and antariya (pleats on the front) falling admirably. Finer details of the ornaments and delineation of these Panchaloha Pavai Vikkau can be observed on the reverse- braids of hair meandering down their body, fringes of jewelry clinging to the torso, and refined musculature on the dhoti.
With their hands raised to their chest, the Panchaloha Deepalakshmi hold a wide bronze plate in which oil and cotton strands are placed to burn the ritual lamp or Deepa. The parrot that sits on the shoulder of the Deepalakshmi is an attribute related to the young heroines of ancient texts and features in different Indian art forms as the inseparable companions of the ladies, who they amuse with the romantic messages from their admirers.
Iconic for the divine experience these bronze Deepalakshmi can instill in the space, with ritual fire dynamically burning and throwing brilliant light at their forms, they are an ancient Indian masterpiece. Devotion and beauty arrested in pure bronze, will transform your space into the interiors of a heavenly temple.
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