Goddess Gauri

Goddess Gauri

Paramar Dynasty, 11th Century CE, Bhopal Museum.

           Goddess Gauri is none other than Goddess Parvati.  She seems to be a popular diety in the 10th to 12th century as numerous sculptures of hers can be found from this period. Here she is surrounded by the Seven Mothers (Saptamatrikas) on the top, by Kartikeya on her right, by Lord Ganesh on her left. She would have carried a Shiva Linga in one of her hands.  She is also surrounded by other maidens who are at her service. Surprisingly her 'vehicle' (vahan) is a mongoose.  

            This sculpture is highly symbolic.  Goddess Gauri is the symbol of benevolence of Nature. Thus Her full bodied figure.  Her inner energy is depicted by the string of pearls which has moved to her left side of the naval. Despite the fact that She stands erect,  the pearl string moves. This portrays the inner strength or the "inner Prana" of the divinity. 

            Like the Seven Mothers, Nature sustains us. In her lap we are protected and we grow as individuals and as a nation. But to grow we need both wisdom and dynamism. Hence, Lord Ganesh (wisdom) and Kartikeya  (dynamism). But like the mongoose, we need a probing mind to understand the beauty and mystery of Nature. Mongoose also symbolises the riches which are buried in Nature. Thus an inquisitive mind discovers the riches of Nature.  Nature stands in all her glory in this stunning sculpture.