The Hindu Goddess Bhudevi

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The Hindu Goddess Bhudevi

India, Tamil Nadu, 13th century
Sculpture
Copper alloy
32 x 12 x 6 1/2 in. (81.28 x 30.48 x 16.51 cm)
Gift of Anna Bing Arnold (M.70.5.3)
Not currently on public view

Curator Notes

These separate copper alloy (bronze) representations of the Hindu god Vishnu flanked by his wives Shridevi (or Lakshmi) and the earth goddess Bhudevi form a Vaishnava matrimonial triad (M.70.5.1-.3)....
These separate copper alloy (bronze) representations of the Hindu god Vishnu flanked by his wives Shridevi (or Lakshmi) and the earth goddess Bhudevi form a Vaishnava matrimonial triad (M.70.5.1-.3). Originally made as processional images, each deity stands on a double lotus base cut with holes for attaching them to the support poles. Bhudevi stands on Vishnu’s left side, as indicated by her posture and arm positions. She has a conical crown and copious jewelry, including the Brahmanical sacred thread (yajñopavita) worn over her left shoulder. She stands with her right leg slightly bent (kuncitapada) and her hip thrust to her left. Her breasts are bare and she wears a striped lower garment (antariya). Her right hand is in the gesture of holding a blue lotus flower (kataka mudra). Her left arm dangles along her outer side. Bhudevi is slightly heavier than her counterpart, Sridevi.
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Bibliography

  • El Universo de la India: Obras Maestras del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Angeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda, 2012.

  • Pal, Pratapaditya. Indian Sculpture, vol.2. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; University of California Press, 1988.