The Prabhavali or the ornamental outlining structure of sculpted or painted deities is an essential feature of Hindu ritual worship, often containing motifs and details that indicate association with a particular divine figure. In this instance, the presence of elephants as well as two female figures standing on a lotus on either side suggests the association with Lakshmi. Derived from the Sanskrit word Prabha or ‘ray of the sun’, it represents the halo in visualising a particular god or goddess. It is detailed with symbols and motifs borrowed entirely from traditional texts such as the Shilpa Shastras, the Brhat Samhita and the Agamas, which provide narratives and contexts for Hindu deities and their iconography.
Unidentified Artist
Prabhavali
White metal
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Unidentified Artist
Prabhavali
White metal
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