Gajalakshmi

Goddess Gajalakshmi in Tanjore Painting

Gajalakshmi, that is Lakshmi with elephants, is one of the most significant Ashtalakshmi aspects of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. In this aspect, the goddess is depicted seated on a lotus, flanked on both side by an elephant (gaja). She is shown as seated in Padmasana yogic posture, and has four arms. In each of her upper pair of arms, she carries a lotus, and the lower hands are generally shown in abhya and varadamudra. The elephants flanking her are shown as pouring water from their trunk over the goddess. This aspect like most other aspects of Lakshmi is representative of prosperity, good luck, and abundance; and the Gajalakshmi motifs are very common in Hindu and Buddhist iconography.

Gajalaxmi medallion from Bharhut stupa railing pillar, sand stone, 2nd Century BCE, Indian Museum, Kolkata.

The earliest available depiction of Gajalakshmi appears on a coin (3rd century) from Kausambi. One or two elephants depicted alongside a woman symbolized the birth of Gautam Buddha.

References

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola