Of strength and triumph

Artist Arpitha Reddy is demonstrating Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance, in the show. While Durga slays the inner demons of fear and ignorance, Lakshmi steps in to lend verve. The two goddesses designate the equilibrium between protection and prosperity. “Dasara also acknowledges the symmetry of strength and wellspring.” She explains the co-existence of Durga and Lakshmi, dividing the divine feminine into three triads, each symbolising an aspect of the goddess: “Durga for strength and protection, Lakshmi for wealth and abundance, and Saraswati for wisdom. Haripriya, or Lakshmi, as depicted here, embodies the flourishing energy that sustains life and brings prosperity. However, her connection to Durga is wholehearted. In the cosmic cycle, Durga’s fierce protection creates the space for Lakshmi’s nurturing energy to flow, ensuring abundance not only in material wealth but also in the bottomless aspects of spiritual and emotional fulfilment.”