![](https://vmfa-dmz-new.piction.com/piction/ump.di?e=097D4C055397D2EE5B3F10F04A906591F0D9043159AB5B54AA8A662CE09E735C&s=21&se=1106335411&v=1&f=xx68_8_17_vv_49021-CT-1-KW_IS_201505_o7.jpg)
Bhu Devi (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
This sensuous and self-assured figure is Bhu Devi, the Earth Goddess and one of Vishnu's consorts. Elaborately jeweled and wearing a high conical crown, she holds a water lily in her raised right hand. This emblem, like her rounded breasts and ample hips, is a sign of the Earth's abundance. Her stance - with an exaggerated bend toward her right - is a clue to her original context. She was probably one of three of deities in the main sanctuary of a Vishnu temple, where she stood to the central god's left, leaning toward him. Her form would have been reflected by a similar image of Vishnu's other consort Shri Devi, standing on his right.
Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, Gift of Paul Mellon
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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