Vasudhara – Goddess of Fertility and Abundance
See it in the Museum
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.
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.