• Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, luxury, beauty, fertility, and auspiciousness.

• She holds the promise of material fulfillment and contentment.

• She is described as restless, whimsical yet maternal, with her arms raised to bless and to grant her blessings.

• Shri is the sacred name of Lakshmi. Shri is written atop most documents and spoken before addressing a god, teacher holy man or any revered individual.

• Lakshmi represents the beautiful and bountiful aspect of nature. As Bhoodevi, the earth-goddess, she nurtures life; as Shreedevi, the goddess of fortune, she bestows power, pleasure and prosperity on those who deserve her grace.

Lakshmi is standing holding two lotus flowers. Her front two hands are in the position of giving boons to her devotees. Her breasts are covered which give her a more modest appearance. Being the wife of Lord Vishnu she takes several avatars to accompany Vishnu on his quest of upholding the dharma. One avatar she took was Bhoodevi, the mother earth-goddess. She seems to embody the Mother in this sculpture. The painting scheme is adopted from the bright colors used in south Indian temples. The temples are known for their large gopurams or towers that rise up into the sky decorated with various gods and goddesses. The gopurams are painted in vibrant colors which mirror the vibrant life of south India.