Abhisheka of Sri

Representation of the goddess Sri (Lakshmi) seated on a lotus base (fig.) and holding a lotus (fig.), one of her attributes, in each hand (fig.), whilst being doused with water by two elephants (known in Pali as gaja), as an abhisheka. It symbolizes prosperity in both Buddhist and Hindu iconography as Sri is the goddess of beauty, good fortune and wealth. Her name is also spelt Shri and a similar pose, in which Lakshmi is flanked by two elephants without being doused with water, is known as Gaja Lakshmi (fig.). The only depiction of an Abhisheka of Sri found in the Kingdom of Thailand is a bas-relief on a lintel at Prasat Sra Kamphaeng Yai in Sri Saket (fig.). 回