Sri-Lakshmi, Maa Lakshmi, Mahalakshmi- the Hindu goddess has many names and forms, but she represents some of the most basic ideas that govern each civilization. The great-goddess and her iconography have developed through the ages, in Hindu texts and art, an unbelievably brilliant journey that could not have found a better visual representation than this Panchaloha Maa Lakshmi statue- captivating and larger-than-life, two words that come quite close to describing the idea that is Maa Lakshmi.
The awe-inspiring presence of Maa Lakshmi in this Panchaloha bronze statue is the artist’s mastery that molded and sculpted bronze by inheriting from the beautiful verses of “Sri Suktam”. The goddess from her origination in this Rig Vedic hymn is described as “the embodiment of the bliss that is derived from Soma”. Looking at this bronze icon of Devi- her limbs delicate as the branches that carry fragrant flowers, her facial features the zenith of the ideals of feminine beauty, her intricate ornamentation, which is only an outward symbol of the exquisiteness that exists within her and flows through her in all the scenic charm of the universe- the experience of her “Darshana” does fill the heart with a sensation of elation that emerges from the consumption of the divine “Soma” nectar.
The goddess, also referred to as “Narayani” is the active feminine potency of Narayana, who looks after the entire universe from his heavenly home “Vaikuntha”, similar to the king on the earth who looks after his subjects as his own children. As “Vishnupriya” the beloved of Vishnu, goddess Lakshmi becomes the illusion (Maya) that is behind Srishti (creation) and bestows the boon of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha- the four goals that make human existence meaningful as a part of the creation.
Besides Vishnu, the four-armed divine Lakshmi as materialized in this bronze icon is associated with the earth goddess or Bhudevi. Both the Hindu mother goddesses are connected to the quality of fecundity, in fact, in the “Sri Suktam”, one of the attributes of Sri (Lakshmi) is the “moistness” that enables fertility of the fields. Her conception as an eternally youthful maiden, with the physical characteristics that signify reproductive prowess in women, is an artistic trope used tastefully in this bronze- a descriptor of Maa Lakshmi as the point from which life germinates.
The half-blossomed lotuses whose delicate stems appear to be copying the elegance of the fingers of the goddess that wrap the flowers are also motifs that indicate the beginnings and inauguration of life. This association of goddess Lakshmi with fertility finds its most awesome description in the “Mahalakshmi Stotram” wherein the mother-goddess is called the “womb of Mahashakti”- the supreme feminine who rules the creation, and is behind its birth, sustenance, and destruction.
The incredibly realistic-looking “Kamala” or lotus, on which the goddess sits has been linked to her since her first appearance in the Hindu religious tradition. In her emergence from the Kshirsagara- the primordial ocean, she was seated on an exquisite lotus; which thanks to the refreshing craftsmanship of this bronze sculpture appears to have happened only a few moments ago.
Lotus- beyond being a universal symbol for purity and beauty, also represents the “Kundalini” (inner potency) that resides in every human being. Sitting on an open lotus, fresh and flawless as seen in this bronze icon, Maa Lakshmi is the divine energy that is at the center of the lotus of our mind. This is the form in which she is revered in the powerful “Lakshmi Tantra”, where she surpasses every celestial being and is realized as supreme consciousness- “Parama-Brahmana” and also in the Devi Mahatmya, where it is Mahalakshmi, the primordial form of Lakshmi from whom emerges Mahasaraswati and Mahakali.
Devi Lakshmi is the embodiment of “Rajas Guna”- qualities of activity, passion, desire, and industriousness. She is an ethereal symbolization that desire- if pious and righteous, is a magnificent thing. The episode of her emergence as a result of the churning of the ocean, by Deva (gods) and Asura (anti-gods), is a simple yet rarely understood lesson- Lakshmi (one who takes you to the goal or “Lakshya”, while also being the ultimate goal herself) can only be pleased, and subsequently attained, through conscientiousness and action. Whether the goal is material or metaphysical- Lakshmi, the eternally magnificent one who undoubtedly graces this beguiling Panchaloha bronze, only comes to those who are willing to do their Karma (virtuous action).
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