Resembling the Chola bronze statues of Devi from the 12th century in Tamil Nadu, South India, this Deeplakhsmi is a significant part of the traditional ceremonial lighting scenes of Indian temples. The figure of the young maiden is seen carrying a leaf-shaped lamp and follows all other iconographies of the statue of Devi. Her hair is tied in the traditional kesa bandha, and a serrated siras-chakra behind her head. She is standing in the Tribhanga pose and is wearing the MMakaraa kundalas. Her costume consists of a lower garment reaching below the knees, which is held at the waist by a mekhala girdle with tassels and clasp in front. She is standing on a lotus pedestal and two parrots perching on her shoulders, both lotus and parrots signifying wisdom and growth. This Deeplakshmi in brass is the epitome of the splendid craftsmanship of this country. It carries the holy iconography of Chola bronzes and thus is not an ordinary ritual object but a rare and magnificent piece of art.
