Gajalakshmi

Bharhut, c. 100 BC
Indian Museum, Calcutta

In this medallion two elephants are pouring water over Lakshmi, from upended pots which they hold in their uplifted trunks. In later versions of gajalakshmi the water pots will be absent, and the goddess will be seated, cross-legged on a lotus, rather than standing as here. The figures are set within a design of lotus flowers and buds, and there is an inscription directly above the medallion.