Padmavati

Padmavati, Jain Goddess

Padmavati is an important and popular Jain Goddess, the yakshi, or female attendant deity of Parsvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara. Tirthankaras are liberated beings, freed from attachments and the cycle of birth and death by the rigorous practice achieved in their last lifetime. In her position as yakshi she is believed to help protect Lord Parsva. She is regarded for other attributes including an association with wealth.

In this vigraha of Padmavati, she is seated on a pedestal throne with her vahana, the rooster, at her feet. With one leg slightly hanging over the edge of her pedestal, she is ready to move quickly should anything be needed in accomplishing her obligations. In her upper hands she holds a stylized mace and lotus stem, and, in her lower hands holds a lotus bud and offers the boon dispensing mudra (varada). Above her head is a meditating Parsvanatha. She holds her beloved lord firmly in her mind. Both are shown here protected by the seven hoods of the snake.

This image is comprised of three pieces which assemble together to form the whole. The photo gallery shows Padmavati without the background. There is a very worn spot above her eyes which has been rubbed often in worship with various substances and there is a bit of red kumkum sindoor powder in that space marking her third eye. Padmavati is richly adorned with abundant jewelry on her ankles, wrists, neck, and ears and she wears an elaborate headdress.