Vasudhara – Goddess of Fertility and Abundance
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India and Nepal
Orientation 3
Display 5

ABS 106

 Code: ABS 106

  Country: Nepal

  Style: Early Malla Period

  Date: 1300

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 13 x 18.4 x 5.8

  Materials: Gilt copper; inset with precious stones

Vasudhara – Goddess of Fertility and Abundance

Sitting in the ease posture, the young and beautiful goddess Vasudhara (Norgyünma in Tibetan) with her peaceful face and six arms bestows abundance and prosperity. Consort of Jambhala, the god of wealth, she is adorned with royal ornaments. Her right hands pay homage to the Buddhas, hold a jeweled garland, and make the generosity gesture showing the treasure, while her left hands grasp the text of the Prajñaparamita, an ear of grain, and a vessel of wealth. This refined work displays a range of features characteristic of Nepalese art, as evidenced by the copper alloy and gilding, appearance, ornamentation, and jewelry.

Vasudhara is a Buddhist deity popularly worshipped in the Kathmandu valley as the goddess of fertility and abundance. The worship of Vasudhara never gained much acceptance among the Tibetans, and images of her are therefore rare in Tibet and were in most cases imported from Nepal for personal use of Newars living in Tibet.