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.
