Kaladarshana - Ancient and Medieval Historical Indian Architecture and Art - Alampur

Lajja Gowri
This finely finished, highly polished image is considered a form of Devi and referred to by various names such as Lajja Gowri, Aditi Uttanapad, Matangi and Renuka. Placed in a square frame, she lies in the birth position, broadly spread out legs with soles turned upward. Hands resting on the knees hold the stalks of small lotus flowers while a large open lotus blossom crowns the figure replacing its head and neck. She wears sarpa arm bands, bangles and a delicate bead necklace. Images of this deity are rare even though her cult grew significantly in the 6th-10th centuries, perhaps with the general rise of Tantrism. Her origins are obscure with myths that refer to her as Matangi, the "outcaste goddess" known for ignoring social rules. Elsewhere, she is called Renuka, an outcaste beheaded by a Kshatriya, who grew a lotus in place of her head. Art-historians have associated her with pre-Aryan goddess cults and also pointed out similarities with the Venus of Willendorf. Although within the museum, a separate room is reserved for this sculpture, which is revered as a fertility goddess by pilgrims visiting the Navabrahma temples.

Cat Panel