South Indian Bronze Image of Bhu Devi

This unusually fine bronze depicting Bhu Devi, one of the two consorts of Vishnu, is particularly well cast and detailed, particularly in how the many items of jewellery that adorn the deity have been rendered. It stands on a round platform etched with lotus petal motifs.

Bhu Devi is depicted nearly always without a kuchabandha or breast band (as is the case here), whereas the other consort Sri Devi, usually is shown with such a band.

Bhu Devi holds a prominent lotus stem and semi-opened bud.  The image has a striped dhoti, various finely-rendered jewellery items, including necklaces, hoop earrings, anklets, toe rings and finger rings all clearly delineated. The image also has a tall, multi-tiered karandamukuta headdress with a lotus bud finial.

Conventionally, Bhu Devi is shown standing to the left of Vishnu and Sri Devi is shown standing to the right.

The fine details of the image here are crisp and there is little puja wear. The image has a fine patina.