Deepalaxmi (Pair)

A fully decorated deity is standing on an elephant while holding a receptacle for oil and an oil container. The five-hooded Cobra giving her protection, indicates it is a deity. She standing in Samapada, without any bend, unusual for a female deity. The elephant is also decorated and is ready for a royal procession. But for the elephant’s trunk and its tail, there is no movement in  this Vigraha. 

The back view shows the deity’s plaited hair. The Cobra’s body seems to merge with the plaited hair.

Though called Deepalakshmi, it is not necessarily Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. This piece may not date earlier than the twentieth century.