As in Hinduism of India so in the Newari culture of Nepal, the goddess Lakshmi is an auspicious divinity, worshipped as the bestower of wealth, luxuries, and abundance. In this brass lamp from Nepal, the mighty mother goddess is depicted sitting on the diya, or lamp, as the source of light, which symbolizes bliss and abundance. Attired in the typical Nepalese dress and ornaments, Lakshmi wears a traditional crown, earrings, and delicate garments that flow around her youthful form. She carries the ritual mirror and container of Sindoor, an integral part of her worship in Nepal and symbols of auspiciousness in life. Her primary hands are raised in the gesture of giving boons and removing fear. The lamp which serves as the seat of Lakshmi has been sculpted beautifully with an inverted lotus base upon which an inverted pot design can be seen- both elements representing fortunate virtues. The lamp itself has been delineated as a blooming lotus, a symbol of wisdom and divinity in Buddhism and Hinduism.
