Lakshmi Statues (also spelled Laxmi)in various styles
Known as the Hindu goddess of Fortune and Wealth, Lakshmi is usually depicted in scenes of abundance; elephants spray water into the air through their trunks as she sits on a lotus blossom in the middle of a deep flowing river, with lush jungles in the background. Lakshmi is always depicted in paintings and statues as a beautiful goddess, adorned with the finest clothes and jewelry. Her beauty transfixes not only the other deities, but man, demon and beast alike.
Our Lakshmi statues are made in India, although we have carried statues of this goddess that were made in Thailand as well. In general, Indian statues come in the "antique gold" finish, while the Thai statues have an "aged copper" finish applied to them.
Lakshmi is the consort of the God Vishnu, and they can often be seen together in paintings, amulets and sculptures. She is also Radha, the wife of Krishna, as he is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. She is believed to be the mother of the Hindu God of Love, Kama (not to be confused with 'Karma,' which is action, or the cumulative effect of deeds). Scroll down to the bottom of this page to read more about this goddess.
In some traditions, Lakshmi is treated as Devi, who is the divine Mother Goddess, and has different aspects (such as Parvati and Durga). In those traditions she is often referred to as Shakti, or the Universal Female Energy.
And in other traditions, she is seen as the one "complete" representation of all the other Hindu Goddesses, so that Lakshmi is an "all encompassing" female energy. And While not being the Goddess of Love, she can be thought of as the embodiment of love in her relation with Vishnu (and her avatars Radha and Sita in their relationships with Krishna and Rama, respectively). Indeed, many Indian mothers instruct their daughters to "be like Sita" in dealings with their husbands.
Notes about Lakshmi's depiction in artwork and statuary
The festival of Diwali is dedicated to her
She is usually depicted with four arms, tow of which hold lotus blossoms
The lotus blossoms are a symbol for spiritual perfection, and she is often represented sitting upon a double lotus
She also goes by the name Indira, which is a very popular name for Indian women
She is often depicted on her mount, a white owl
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