Description

This 10th-century stone sculpture of Gauri, discovered in Bhanpura near Mandsaur, beautifully captures the grace and symbolism of the Pratihara era’s artistry. Gauri, a gentle and auspicious form of Parvati, stands in an elegant posture, embodying purity, prosperity, and divine strength. Though her hands are damaged, she likely once held a lotus and a water pot—common symbols in depictions of the goddess. At her feet, a partially visible mongoose, her divine companion, adds a subtle yet powerful touch. Despite some weathering, the sculpture’s delicate features, flowing garments, and calm presence speak volumes about early medieval India's devotion to the feminine divine and its refined sculptural tradition.