This icon of Vishnu represents him as Narayana not because he has Lakshmi with him but because he has Lakshmi in him. Lotus is inseparably associated with Lakshmi. She is hence also invoked as Padmavati. In this representation out of four only three of Vishnu's hands are visible. His own role as protector has been symbolised in visual representation by his 'chakra' , the wheel and that of Lakshmi, or Shree by the lotus, which variedly appears in Vishnu's as well as Lakshmi's iconography.

This Vishnu image carries no 'chakra' but instead a lotus in his fore-arm. He has his usual head-dress or crown but it is exceptionally flanked on sides by a couple of lotuses. This depicts that he prides in making his being the abode of Lakshmi. In this representation, as in a number of legends, Lakshmi pre-dominates this Lakshmi-Narayana form of Vishnu, for unless Lakshmi preceded, Vishnu would not be Lakshmi-Narayana.

The artist has meticulously worked for representing his Lakshmi and Narayana, Vishnu and his spouse, in their most accomplished deity-form. Lakshmi holds Vishnu in her clasp and sits on his thigh but far from being amorous it is a sublime posture. He placed behind the deities a massive and architecturally sculpted fire-arch which culminates on its apex into a lotus finial flanked on sides by two beautiful parrots. It bears a shrine's look and not only enhances artist's votive vision but also provides to the total representation a most appropriate aesthetic frame as well.

The lotus platform, which houses the deity images, has been cast like a 'vedika' consecrating the presiding deity in a sanctum. Except for a beak- like pointed and protruded nose and his large wings Garuda is in human form and symbolises man's devotion to the deities. It is a small brass-piece, but the artist has effected in it unique synthesis wherein the stylistic elements of Chola bronzes - precision, accuracy, finish, minuteness of details, sharp features and emotionally charged faces and the ornamentation and embellishment of Nepalese art, blend in full fusion.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.

Unveiling the Divine: Exploring the Symbolism and Significance of Lakshmi

Lakshmi Devi is one of the principal Goddesses in Hinduism. In the Vaishnava tradition, especially the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya, Vishnu and Lakshmi are considered the Supreme or Absolute Truth. Mother Lakshmi is known as the Goddess of fortune who blesses the living entities in the material world with material wealth and prosperity. Our Vedic scriptures mention that Lakshmi Ji is the eternal consort of Lord Vishnu who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He maintains and controls everything in the material and spiritual world. Goddess Lakshmi is also His internal potency and is thus always engaged in the loving devotional service of the Lord in His spiritual abode Vaikuntha, a place where there is no misery.

The transcendental form of Mother Lakshmi is extremely beautiful. She is the emblem of beauty and mercy. She sees every individual soul as her own child and whoever approaches her with faith and devotion, certainly gets the mercy of Lakshmi Devi. She is often depicted wearing a red saree and holding different items in her four arms. She holds a lotus flower in each of her two upper arms. With one of her lower hands, she holds a pot full of gold coins (representing wealth) while the other hand stays in a mudra that signifies charity.

Can we keep a Lakshmi statue at home?

As stated earlier, Lakshmi Ji bestows good fortune upon her devotees and takes care of them. She is full of compassion and therefore accepts anyone who comes to her even with ulterior motives. However, she not only gives material wealth to her devotees but those who approach her to know the real goal of human life or to know about the Absolute Truth, she blesses them with spiritual wealth (wisdom and mercy) by which they can come to a higher platform and consciousness. Thus, it is only by the mercy of Goddess Lakshmi that a living entity starts its spiritual journey toward Lord Vishnu.

If you want to attract this special mercy, you can keep the deity of Goddess Lakshmi at your home and worship her every day with an attitude of surrender. By doing so, you will develop a personal relationship with her and you will be able to experience transcendental happiness.

Which Lakshmi idol is good for home?

Lakshmi Devi expands herself into eight major forms (Ashta Lakshmi) that are Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Sanatana Lakshmi, Dhairya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Vidya Lakshmi, and Aishwarya Lakshmi. You can keep any of the forms of Lakshmi in your home to bring material and spiritual auspiciousness. However, if you want her ultimate mercy, you may keep the deity of Goddess Lakshmi along with her master, Lord Vishnu.

Which material is good for Lakshmi idol?

The idol or deity of Goddess Lakshmi comes in various materials such as brass, wood, marble, copper, bronze, etc. If you are planning to keep a deity of Lakshmi Devi at your home, the best material would be either brass or marble. Brass is known for its exquisite appearance resembling gold and is also a strong material. Marble is preferred by most people because it lasts longer than any other material.