Hindu Goddesses, Resin

Maha means great in Sanskrit, and this Mahalaksmi statue is a more elaborate version of the traditional Laksmi. Laksmi is popular with Hindus, Buddhists and Jains and is associated with beauty, prosperity, luck and wealth.

Large: 5.5"(14cm)/7.2oz

- Di Kamp, Chief Executive, Meta, United Kingdom

This statue shows Laksmi standing, rather than seated. Lakshmi (Laksmi or Laxmi), also known as Sri Lakshmi or Sri, is the goddess of wealth. She is considered to be the primeval goddess who appeared on the cosmic waters at the beginning of creation, floating on a lotus flower. As Vishnu's shakti, she is the sustaining force in the universe and forms with him the dual deity called Lakshi-Narayana, symbolizing the transcendental unity of opposites in the absolute Brahman.

Devi is the great goddess of ancient India, and as the consort of Shiva, she is worshiped in a variety of forms corresponding to her two aspects - benevolence and fierceness.

As Parvati, she is the loving wife, luring Shiva away from the life of an ascetic to that of a householder. As Durga, the wrathful form of Parvati, she is 'the inaccessible'. In this statue, she is shown sitting astride her mount,the lion. Her four hands hold a sword, club, lotus flower and dire. Despite her weapons, Durga's face always remains clam and gentle.