Shri Lakshmi Lustrated by Elephants (Gaja-Lakshmi)

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Shri Lakshmi Lustrated by Elephants (Gaja-Lakshmi)

India, Odisha (Orissa), 18th century
Sculpture
Brass
9 1/4 x 5 1/2 x 5 1/4 in. (23.5 x 13.97 x 13.34 cm)
Indian Art Special Purpose Fund (M.74.40.1)
South and Southeast Asian Art
Not currently on public view

Curator Notes

Shri-Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Prosperity, is here represented as Gaja Lakshmi (Elephant Lakshmi), who is one of the Eight Great Lakshmis (Ashta Maha Lakshmi)....
Shri-Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Prosperity, is here represented as Gaja Lakshmi (Elephant Lakshmi), who is one of the Eight Great Lakshmis (Ashta Maha Lakshmi). She is being lustrated by elephants grasping an upside down ‘full vase’ (purna ghata) of sacred water. This iconographic form emphasizes Lakshmi as a mother goddess and fertility divinity. Her exceptionally full breasts reinforce her motherly role. She is crowned, wears standard jewelry, and sits in a lotus posture (padma asana) on a double lotus base. The goddess has four arms. In her upper hands, she supports the lustrating elephants standing on lotus bases connected by a long lotus stalk on the rear of the sculpture. Her lower right hand is held in the gesture of charity (varada mudra). Her lower left right hand is held in the gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra). See also M.85.62, M.85.193.2, AC1993.239.7, and M.2000.165.2.
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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.

  • Larson, Gerald et al.  In Her Image:  The Great Goddess in Indian Asia and the Madonna in Christian Culture.  Santa Barbara:  UCSB Art Museum, University of California, 1980.

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

  • Larson, Gerald et al.  In Her Image:  The Great Goddess in Indian Asia and the Madonna in Christian Culture.  Santa Barbara:  UCSB Art Museum, University of California, 1980.
  • Pal, Pratapaditya.  Elephants and Ivories in South Asia.  Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1981.
  • Pal, Pratapaditya. Indian Sculpture, vol.2. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; University of California Press, 1988.
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