Mahalakshmi - Kerala Mural Archive

Alangad, ASG_P004 — Lakshmi: full panel view

Detail Photos

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

Image of Mahalakshmi wearing a rose-colored saree. She has four arms and is holding a lotus flower in her upper arms. Behind her is an elephant holding up a garland of flowers.

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: Mahalakshmi
Iconographic Attributes: Four-armed, golden-skinned Mahalakshmi with long black hair and a rose saree with a light blue blouse, wearing ornaments and a crown. Her upper right and upper left hands hold a lotus flower each. Her lower right hand is in Varadamudra and her lower left hand is in Abhayamudra. There is an elephant depicted behind her. She is standing on top of a lotus flower. The elephant is holding up a garland of flowers. There are several swans behind her. There is also the depiction of trees and shrubs in the background.
Visual & Formal Features: Background pattern, Facial expression detail, Hand gesture (mudra), Ornamentation
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Position in Pradakshina Sequence: 4
Adjacent Panels: Matsya and Krishna

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_P004
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.