One of the eight forms of goddess Lakshmi (Ashtalakshmi) is Santan Lakshmi, the goddess who gives the gift of progeny. Devi Lakshmi from her earliest textual mentions has been associated with fertility, and when represented as Santan Lakshmi, this characteristic of her is highlighted.
In this dazzling bronze statue, goddess Lakshmi is seated on a round pedestal carved with inverted lotus petals. Her legs are crossing, forming the Sukhasana (the easy pose). On her lap is an infant, who in proportion appears dwarfish in front of the great figure of the Mother-goddess. Devi’s upper limbs carry two Purna-ghata (pots) filled with water and with coconut fruit in their mouth. The Purna-ghata is a symbol of abundance and fertility. Santan Lakshmi raises her right hand in Abhaya mudra, a gesture of fearlessness. Her head is covered with a Krita-mukuta associated with the Vaishnava cult. Necklaces of gold and precious materials cover her body and she is wearing a fine garment, whose folds are realistically depicted by the artist. Santan Lakshmi is worshipped across India by couples wanting to conceive. She is the provider of abundance and preserver of children and her devotees.
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