[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Architecture and art](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art) › [Elements of Hindu Iconography](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914) › v3.c19.136 # Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.136 Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.136 - **Language:** English ### [v3.c19.136](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19.136) god; and chief among Viṣṇu’s consort is Lakshmī. When the ocean of milk was churned for obtaining the ambrosials for the gods, many other valuable things came out from that ocean. The goddess of wealth Lakshmī, who became afterwards the consort of Viṣṇu, came out from that ocean then. Lakshmī is conceived to be treasured by her lord on the right side of his broad chest. She is known by several names, such as, Śrī, Padmā and Kamalā. She is seated upon a padma and holds in each of her two hands a lotus. She is also adorned with a lotus garland. On either side is an elephant emptying water on her head from pots presented by attendant celestial maidens, (See Pls. CIX, CX and fig. 2, Pl. CXI). This goddess is of dark complexion according to the Viṣṇudharmōttara. The Aṃśumadbhēdāgama describes her differently. According to it the colour of Lakshmī is to be golden yellow. She should wear golden ornaments set with rubies and other precious gems; in her ears there should be jewelled nakra-kuṇḍalas. The figure of Lakshmī has to be like that of a maiden who has just attained age and should be of very handsome appearance, with pretty eye-brows, eyes like the petals of a lotus, a full neck and a well developed waist. She should wear a bodice and be adorned with various ornaments on the head. In her right hand she should carry a lotus flower and in the left hand a \*bilva\* fruit; she should be draped in beautiful clothing and her back should be broad and attractive. The waist zone should be a broad belt of artistic workmanship and should heighten the effect of her natural beauty. - [Previous: v3.c19.135](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19.135) - [Next: v3.c19.137](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19.137) - [Up: v3.c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19) ## Cites (2) - [Kāśyapaśilpa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.art.silpa.dravida.kasyapasilpa) — Sanskrit - [Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.upa.vaisnava.visnudharmottara) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19.136](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.art.rao-1914.v3.c19.136) · Pramāṇa