The Goddess Gajalakshmi Tanjore painting is
a masterpiece of art, meticulously crafted with soft, traditional hues and
resplendent 24-karat gold, which imparts a timeless charm to the divine
depiction. Devi Gajalakshmi is enthroned in an aura of supreme auspiciousness.
Her seat is supported by ornate stands adorned with parrot and Makara motifs,
symbolizing grace and grandeur.
Maa Lakshmi, the
epitome of wealth and prosperity, sits gracefully in Padmasana, the lotus
posture, draped in a magnificent pink saree and bedecked with exquisite
ornaments. Her elongated Kiritamukuta crown adds to her regal presence. She
holds two lotuses, a symbol of purity and abundance, while her primary hands
assume the Abhaya and Varada mudras, showering blessings and protection. Golden
coins flow from her right hand, signifying unending wealth and prosperity.
Flanking the divine mother are two
elephants, each carrying a pot of sacred water, a gesture of consecration,
acknowledging her as the queen mother of the universe. A sense of majesty and maternal
bliss radiates from Maa Gajalakshmi's enlivened countenance. She is revered by
all beings, offering the promise of wealth that never fades, making this
artwork a cherished reminder of the eternal blessings of prosperity and
abundance.
A Vision of Abundance and Serenity
Invite divine grace and unparalleled prosperity into your living space with this exquisite depiction of the goddess of wealth and fortune. You'll be captivated by the rich symbolism and artisanal brilliance that radiate from this timeless masterpiece, creating a focal point of spiritual elegance.
The Soul of Tanjore Artistry
Painstakingly brought to life by master artisans, this rendition embodies the revered Tanjore painting tradition. Each element is meticulously crafted using age-old techniques, from the precise application of traditional mineral and vegetable-based colors to the liberal use of real gold leaf that imbues the imagery with a divine luminescence. The delicate relief work and intricate detailing are a testament to the dedication and skill poured into its creation, ensuring a piece of unparalleled artistry.
Radiant Details and Grandeur
Observe the central figure, adorned in opulent attire and jewelry, seated in a posture of serene authority. Flanking her are two majestic elephants, symbolic of strength and abundance, each gracefully holding a lotus flower, another emblem of purity and prosperity. The surrounding architectural motifs and decorative borders are rendered with remarkable precision, highlighted by the shimmering gold work. The harmonious color palette and the deep, rich tones of the traditional pigments create a visual symphony, further enhanced by the subtle texture of the gold appliqué. The entire composition measures 28 inches in height and 22 inches in width, presented within a tasteful frame that complements its grandeur.
Echoes of Ancient Divinity
This artwork draws its inspiration from the iconography of Gajalakshmi, a revered form of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. In Hindu mythology, she is often depicted flanked by elephants, signifying her royal power and her ability to shower blessings. This particular depiction resonates with the rich cultural heritage of South India, a region where Tanjore paintings have flourished for centuries, preserving sacred narratives and aesthetic principles. You'll appreciate how this piece connects you to a lineage of devotion and artistic excellence.
Elevating Your Sacred and Secular Spaces
Imagine this magnificent artwork gracing your puja room, study, or drawing-room, instantly elevating the ambiance with its spiritual aura and aesthetic appeal. It serves as a perfect centerpiece for contemplation and prayer, or as a distinguished accent piece in your curated home décor. Its profound symbolism makes it an ideal gift for auspicious occasions, symbolizing best wishes for prosperity and well-being for the recipient. The substantial depth of 2 inches adds a tangible presence to its visual allure.
Preserving Enduring Splendor
To ensure the longevity and sustained brilliance of this treasure, we recommend dusting it gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any liquid cleaners or abrasive materials, as they can damage the delicate gold leaf and traditional pigments. Proper care will preserve its lustrous finish and intricate details for generations to come, allowing you to cherish its divine beauty and the blessings it bestows.
Gilded Elegance: Unraveling the Artistry of Tanjore Paintings
Tanjore painting is a traditional form of art in the South Indian style and was started by the inhabitants of a small town known as Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu. This gives it another name called “Thanjavur painting”. This painting draws its figures, designs, and inspiration from the time when Vedic culture was prevalent in India. Certain remarkable features of a Tanjore painting distinguish it from other paintings. Some of these are pure gold or gold foil coating on gesso work, the use of rich and vivid colors, and the inlay of cut-glass or semi-precious and precious stones. The subjects of most of the Tanjore paintings are Hindu Gods, Goddesses, and saints. The main devotional figure is portrayed in the central portion of the painting and is usually surrounded by various secondary figures.
The process of making a Tanjore painting
The classic Tanjore paintings are done on wooden planks and hence are also referred to as Palagai Padam in South India (Palagai = Wooden plank, Padam = Picture). Creating a masterpiece is never an easy task but the skilled artists of Thanjavur have been following the tradition of making timeless Tanjore paintings for decades.The making process begins with preparing the wooden board or canvas. The size of the board depends upon the choice of the patron. The next step is to paste cardboard over the wooden board and then a cotton fabric is stretched and pasted upon it using Arabic gum.

Now that the cloth is attached to the wooden panel, a rough sketch of the motifs and figure is drawn onto the fabric. After this, a paste of chalk powder and water-soluble adhesive is evenly applied over the base and smoothed.

Thereafter, the outlines which were made or traced using a stencil are now ready to be beautified and decked with various add-ons. The usual materials for decoration are cut-glass, pearls, semi-precious and precious gems, gold leaf, and laces. 22 or 18 Karat Gold leaves and gems of varied hues are especially inlaid in areas like pillars, arches, walls, thrones, and dresses.
In the final step, the rest of the painting is filled with rich and striking colors such as shades of red, blue, and green. Formerly, the artists used natural colors like vegetable and mineral dyes instead of chemical paints. The entire painting is then cleaned and refined to give a flawless finished look.

Since the making of a single piece of Tanjore painting requires a complex and elaborate process, the artists usually take at least one or two months to complete it. The use of pure gold foil and gems for beautification is a characteristic of an authentic Tanjore painting. Due to this, Tanjore paintings last for generations without getting tarnished and are much more expensive than general paintings. Though the art form has undergone various changes and technique modifications over the years, it continues to attract the hearts of art lovers.