Using pure bronze and the complex method of “Madhuchistha vidhana”, where a hollow or solid model of clay is layered with wax, heated, filled with molten metal, and cooled, the artists achieve the icon. In the case of a large murti like this, different parts are modeled separately and then attached. The measurements of limbs, size, and designs of ornaments and other details are taken from the ancient treatise of iconography and followed word by word to attain these stunning Indian artworks.The statue of Devi Sri Lakshmi is placed on a double-tiered pedestal, on an inverted lotus or Padma. She stands contrapposto, with her body weight shifted on one leg, giving her physique a lovely elegant appearance. Maa Lakshmi is four-armed- each of her hands sculpted to mimic the slenderness of lotus stems. Devi’s primary hands are in the gestures of giving boons (Varada mudra, left) and fearlessness (Abhaya mudra, right). She instructs her devotees to leave all fears behind because the great mother is ever present to guide and enrich their endeavors with her auspicious boons.The ornamentation of this bronze goddess Lakshmi statue is intricately sculpted, befitting the glory of the universal provider of riches and abundance. An elongated Kiritamukuta crown sits on her head, marked with incised lines and decorated with a pair of parrots above her forehead. Parrot or Shuka in Hinduism represents youth, love, and beauty, which are bestowed upon a human who evokes the great Maa Lakshmi. The balance of fleshiness and slenderness on the limbs of Devi creates a naturalistic aesthetic. Arched eyebrows, elongated eyes, fine noses, and full lips fill the icon with a true-to-life quality. The torso of the goddess is replete with a series of jeweled strings, necklaces, brocaded Kucabandha (breast band), and channavira (stringed ornament running diagonally on the chest). A diaphanous dhoti worn by the goddess is presented with superb fabric details. Her girdle is adorned with Kirtimukha (face of glory, a symbol of divinity), a beaded chain forming a gorgeous semi-circle in the front and the center folds of the dhoti falling between Devi’s legs. Delicate uttariya (upper body garment, scarf) is draped around Devi Lakshmi’s secondary hands. On the reverse of the Panchaloha icon, one can observe the wonder of rounded sculpting. Details of Devi’s sirachakra (circular support attached to the crown), Kuchabandha, piece of cloth tucked under the girdle, and the slight tightening of the fabric around the legs exemplify the efforts of the Shilpi (craftsman) in blowing divine life into the solid bronze.
