Gajalakshmi - Kerala Mural Archive

Alangad, ASG_P007 — Lakshmi: full panel view

Detail Photos

Deity: Lakshmi Location: Alangad Sree Santana Gopala Murthy Temple Theme: Non-narrative

Mahalakshmi, four-armed, seated on a lotus. She is flanked on either side by elephants who have raised their trunks above her head. She is holding lotus flower in both her arms. The background is blue in color.

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu, born while churning the ocean by Devas and Asuras in order to obtain nectar (or amrit). This particular depiction is of Gaja Lakshmi, where goddess Lakshmi is depicted as being seated on a lotus flower and flanked by two or more elephants. The elephants might be holding up lotus flowers or showering her with water, (doing an abhishekam). She is a symbol of abundance and wealth.
Episode: Non narrative

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Lakshmi
Iconographic Form: Gajalakshmi (a form of Lakshmi)
Iconographic Attributes: Yellow-skinned goddess Mahalakshmi or Gajalakshmi is sitting on a white lotus flower. She is wearing a rose-colored saree with rose-colored blouse. She is wearing jewelry. On her two upper arms, on her two upper arms she is holding a lotus flower each. Her two lower arms are in Abhaya and Varada mudras each. There are two elephants on either side of her with long tusks and trunks raised up above her crown.
Visual & Formal Features: Background pattern, Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 7
Adjacent Panels: Saraswathi and Shiva

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Fair
Deterioration Type: Pigment loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple authorities
Date of Documentation: 08/08/2024
Artist: Neelakantan Ilayath
Identifier: ASG_P007
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.