Gajalakshmi, Goddess of wealth Lakshmi surrounded by elephants (Gaja), is a popular and ancient motif. Gajalakshmi in this seated form may be found in lamps, coins and lintels of houses, in addition to in places of worship. Gajalakshmi is one of eight forms of Lakshmi.

Here the Goddess is holding a lotus in her upper hands and the elephants are standing on the lotus. The elephants are holding upturned pots of water in their trunk and doing ‘Abhishek’ (ritual bathing). The bottom hands are in Varada (bestowing) and Abhaya (protection) mudra, the most common mudras in Hindu deities. There are four elephants, each holding a pot, representing major directions. A view from the top shows four pots and lines running along the back of elephants delineating them. (One day I will post additional photos).

This bronze is from Orissa (crown in the form of a tiara, elongated ear ornaments and base with beaded rim). It is about 14 cm in height and maybe from the 19th century.

A similar figure is in Los Angeles Museum ( Indian Sculpture, Vol.2. , Pal Pratapaditya.  LA County Museum of Art;  1988)

For a more detailed discussion on the iconography, please see the blog on standing Gajalakshmi.