Ambika

Description

Ambika is the Yakshi “Dedicated attendant deity”. According to the tradition her vehicle is lion. In her hand she carries branch of mango tree and she has her two sons. The Pala school of Sculptural Art is recognized as a distinct phase of the Indian art, and is noted for the artistic genius of the Bengal sculptors. The Palas built a number of monasteries and other sacred sculptures. Image of Ambika standing under a mango tree on a lotus seat. In her right hand, she holds a bunch of mangoes, while a child holds her forefinger of the left hand. She is wearing a thin head-dress. The other ornaments consist of the earrings, hara, armlets, bracelets, sacred thread and a lower garment. A sash is tied around her thighs. Below, near the right leg, is a male figure standing wearing a crown and other ornaments. On her either side are shown two dancing figures. Above her head is carved the figure of a jina with two lotus flowers. Her vahana, the lion, is shown below on the pedestal.