The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c16.s2.66.1

v2.c16.s2.66.1

The semicircular space under the arch, i.e. the tympanum is occupied by a nude female figure standing amidst a lotus bush, and holding a lotus stalk in each hand (Plate XXIII, D. 1). On each side of her, there are two elephants, one standing on a full-blown lotus, and the other on a thalamus; their trunks uplifted, as if in the act of throwing a shower of water on the central figure. The group is claimed by the Hindus as peculiarly their own; and is well known in Bengal under the name of Mahālakṣhmī, or 'the great goddess of fortune'. The Vaiṣṇavas claim her as a form of Lakṣmī, consort of Viṣṇu, and the lady protectress of wealth; and the Śāktas accept her as Durgā in one of her various manifestations. The former, when engaged in worship, meditate on her, as "a lady standing amidst lotuses, bright as pure gold, being besprinkled with water from golden pitchers held by the trunks of four elephants white as the Himalaya mountain, twirling in her hand a couple of beautiful and auspicious lotuses, the emblems of encouragement, crowned with a bright diadem, and dressed in silken raiment". The latter, in describing her, use almost the identical words.