Sanchi Stupa I, Eastern Torana (gateway), 100 BCE-100 CE
The Goddess Lakshmi has a cultural diversity to her with some sort of social justice. This is an idea that I can see because women don’t usually get worshiped or praised often. It is also ironic to me is how the goddess is dressed. Usually in most or some cultures, women are not allowed to show skin or not too much skin. In this image, the Goddess Lakshmi is appreciated more than normal. This piece of art seems to overshadow the social injustice with women. This religion glorifies a woman’s true-being. In other words, in the image, you see the goddess being a true woman from within. Besides of what others would think, the Goddess Lakshmi is embracing her feminine side through her posture and confidence in her body. What connects to me the most is that from other religion’s eyes she may not seem holy or pure. Maybe because of the way she is dressed, but she is still being a woman naturally which is still purity. With the lotus bud or flower in her hand, this creates a strong connection between the two. With both the lotus and Lakshmi representing peace, tranquility, and blessing, putting all of them together creates a great impact on people and their lives because of their symbolism. I find it very appealing the lotus flower is being connected to a human being. I believe that they are displaying a connection between two different but similar forces. I connect very much with this because I believe that I myself connects with nature and feel as though I am one with nature. I also find it very extraordinary how a woman can seem more appreciated in a religion or life for reasons that might seem wrong, for example her clothing or just being a woman in general. I also love the idea of the elephants pouring the water over her, because that is not a normal image you see in a day to day bases
Art of South Asia Project 
You did a great job effectively communicating the connection between the lotus and Lakshmi by the use of symbolism. I like the part you mentioned about this piece overshadowing the social injustice that is common among women. I agree that Lakshmi’s posture is representative of a confident woman. I think Lakshmi is secure in her femininity and enjoys the praise that resounds around her from the common people. I can understand how people could think that things like holiness or purity are relative and change from culture to culture and different times but it’s impossible for me to view anything outside the norms of what the Bible has stated to be pure and clean versus defiled and unclean. I do think you did a good job capturing important aspects of the symbolism in the piece.
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The title of this image alone is amazing. Having a Goddess instead of a God is something that resonates so much with me as I am a woman. Looking at the picture first I notice the lack of clothing and the postures that society has deemed not “lady like” yet, Lakshmi seems to not give much attention to those type of things. Is it because she is alone in nature or because she is her own individual who loves herself? Either way, I am empowered. Your input on her body posture and confidence is everything because as a woman, that is one of my deepest desires, to be confident no matter what the situation is. The elephants assisting her in bathing are so relaxing to see. It just further helps me understand that this scene relays nothing but a pure, positive, and powerful message.
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