South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses c10.s2.7

c10.s2.7

The Padma-Purāna mentions eight Saktis (or Energies) of the protecting god Vishnu, viz., Srī, Bhū, Sarasvatī, Prīti, Kīrti, Sānti, Tushti and Pushti. As the names clearly indicate, these goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure and Strength are the eight channels through which the protective energies of Vishnu are brought into play. All these goddesses have four hands, hold lotuses in the two upper ones and exhibit the varada and abhaya postures in the two lower.