Ancient Lajja Gouri Sculpture Reveals Neolithic Female Fertility Worship


A little historical sculpture called "Lajja Gouri" was discovered in the Siddipet district's Cheriyal



Lajja Gouri sculptures have been discovered all throughout the nation in a variety of sizes and shapes, but this particular one may have been carved between the first and sixth centuries AD. 





A rare sculpture of "Lajja Gauri," also known as "Nagnakabandha," "Aditi," and "Uttanapada," but more commonly known as the "Fertility Goddess," was discovered in the agricultural fields in the Cheriyal mandal of the Siddipet district by Venkataramanagari, a member of the Kotha Telangana Charithra Brundam. 

This discovery demonstrates the importance given to women centuries ago. 

Lajja Gouri sculptures have been discovered all throughout the nation in a variety of sizes and shapes, but this particular one may have been carved between the first and sixth centuries AD. 

The soap stone or limestone tiny sculpture, which was discovered in Cheriyal, is 5 inches tall and 9 inches broad. 


It was discovered in Patigadda, a simple agricultural region of around 50 acres, where historians have thoroughly documented the continuance of civilization from the prehistoric to the medieval periods. 

Goddess Baubo of Ancient Greece.


KSB Keshava, a former deputy director of museums for AP, claims that statues of the "Mother Goddess," in which a lady is shown standing in the nude, have been discovered all over the globe, particularly in Iraq, Iran, Mesopotamia, and India. 

"Women have overseen civilizations in every way, whether it was directing the males in food gathering, delivering religious sermons, or looking after the communities. 

Early in history, when battles were fought more often, their significance decreased and patriarchal authority increased. 

But even after the emergence of several other cults in India, such as Shaivism and Vaishnavism, the "fertility cult"—also known as the "Shakti cult"—persisted as the "Shakti cult." 

In reality, it persisted as a component of these cults. 

Keshava claims that statues of Lajja Gauri dating back to the Satavahana period were discovered in the AP districts of Guntur and Prakasam. 



A sculpture in the form of a pot with a thin line denoting "Yoni" (vulva) on its bottom was discovered at Addanki. 



Lajja Gauri: Mother goddess devotion and a fertility cult. 

The sitting position and potentially suggestive aspect of the photographs make them appealing. 



Ancient societies viewed it as a universal tradition to revere female fecundity. 

A significant number of female figurines labeled as the Mother Goddess have been found in almost all of these civilizations. 

Such rituals emerged as a component of social and ceremonial beliefs throughout the ancient era while society and culture were growing. 

In India's Neolithic and Post-Neolithic societies, fertility worship, also known as Mother Goddess worship, developed into one of the most significant traditions. 

Numerous figures that have been recognized as Mother Goddess depictions come from the towns of the Indus Valley. 

These come in many shapes and varieties. 

The figure has a broad pelvis, substantial breast areas, and either a voluptuous or slim body. 

The ornate shapes on the head sections include floral headgear, dotted ear decorations, and necklaces, all made of coiled clay. 

These little sculptures may have been the first examples of Yoni worship in earlier times. 

Scholars have generally agreed that the headless figure with the stupa- and lotus-like forms and a pot-like belly is Lajja Gauri. 

The headless deity's real name, nevertheless, is still unknown. 

In many places, it has gone by different names. 


Numerous instances of this kind have been discovered in Karnataka, ranging in size from two to three inches to life-size figures carved in stone. 

Terracotta is often used to create little representations, whereas stone is used for larger sculptures. 

  • The first instances were discovered at Sannati, a well-known Buddhist site in Karnataka's Gulbarga District. 
  • The Badami Chalukya site at Naganathakolla, close to Mahakuta, yielded perhaps the finest specimen of Lajja Gauri, which is presently on display in the ASI Museum in Badami. 

The Lajja Gauri idols represent a distinctive subgenre of fertility worship. 

The pictures are also known by other names, such as Kamalamma, Kamalamukhi, Kabandhamma, Ellamma, and Renuka. 



Lajja Gauri's figures have intriguing characteristics:





  • In most cases, a lotus has been used in lieu of the image's head to symbolize it. This is referred to as Kamalamma or Kamalamukhi. 
  • The sitting position and potentially suggestive aspect of the photographs make them appealing. 
  • The legs are extended and bent upward. The position is linked to childbirth. It is known as the kabandha stance as well. 
  • The belly part might sometimes resemble a pot (kumbha). 
  • The fact that Kumbha is holding a lotus immediately links the image to Purna Ghata, which represents fertility and good fortune. 


Lajja Gauri worship is a very old custom in Karnataka. 

These pictures range in date from the second to third century CE through the tenth and twelfth centuries CE. 


A sculpture of Goddess Lajja Gauri found in Udupi, Karnataka, India.



The oldest figurines were discovered at Sannati, and they had extremely basic modulation and characteristics that may have been imprinted from mold. 

These characters' basic goals transcend Buddhist doctrine. 

Infertility was a problem then, as it is today. 

People would offer votive items and pray to the goddess in order to have healthier progeny. 

Even Buddha's identity as Siddhartha came to his parents much later. 

Art historian Stella Kramrisch has identified Lajja Gauri as the Vedic Goddess Aditi Uttanapada. 

Unquestionably, the lotus, which has the fortunate connotation of wealth, symbolizes life while the legs are in the Uttanapada (spread apart) position. 

A similar genre may be seen in the early instances discovered at Sannati and other modern sites like Ter in Maharashtra. 

Even in medieval and subsequent times, the practice of Lajja Gauri persisted. 


Lajja Gauri was highly revered during the Badami Chalukya era. 




By this point, it seems that tantric and cultic traditions had intermingled. 

Images of Lajja Gauri have been submitted from Aihole, Mahakuta, Naganathakolla, Huligemmanakolla, and Siddhanakolla—all locations that are near by but very apart from typical settlement in valleys of tiny hills. 

The pictures are still being worshipped in locations like Siddhanakolla and Huligemmanakolla where they have been etched directly into the stones. 

Local myths and beliefs are strongly related to yoni puja's tantric rituals. 

During the Badami Chalukya era, a number of new religions and beliefs had begun to influence traditional religious rituals. 

Lajja Gauri Statue of Naganatha Temple in Bijapur, Karnataka, India.



The Naganathakolla Lajja Gauri, on display at the Badami ASI Museum, displays exquisite lotus flowers in place of the head and incredibly sensual characteristics. 


We are reminded of Surya sculptures by the way her legs are wide out and how both of her hands are holding a lotus, rising to her shoulders. 

The sole difference in the attributes of the Lajja Gauri pictures discovered in the Badami Chalukya area is size. 

The Lajja Gauri cult seems to have blended with the mainstream religious activities during the post-Badami Chalukya era. 

A Lajja Gauri picture with a devotee at her side is in the center of a plaque from Majati (Hukkeri Taluk, Belgaum), which also has seated figures with the heads of Narasimha, Siva Linga, Nandi, and conches. 

The plaque shape was quite common at the time and may be seen in places like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc. 

With her distinctive characteristics immediately linking her to the fertility cult and adoration, the Goddess Lajja Gauri has evolved into a timeless deity.


Goddess Lajja Gauri has strong resemblance to Goddess Sheela Na Gig of Ireland.

This is indication of a possible cultural exchange or ethnic relationship between the two ancient Indo-European populations.



Sheela Na Gig: Irish goddess of the hag.

Sheela Na Gig is most renowned for the stone carvings of a naked female figure displaying her vulva that can be seen all across Ireland.



She is the lusty hag, the Dark Crone goddess, and the embodiment of life's and death's feminine secrets.







Sheela Na Gig maintains the cycle of life, death, and rebirth by holding the joy and passion of existence in her hands, as well as the anguish and terror of death.


Lajja Gauri, also Aditi is a Hindu sky goddess.

Her name means "unbound," "limitless," or "free." 

Lajja Gauri is shown as a lotus-headed goddess, nude and decorated with jewels, with her legs lifted in a birthing or sexual posture, revealing her vulva, in ancient Indian art.

She is the Infinite Mother, the controller of the conscious and unconscious minds, the past, present, and future, as well as the whole cosmos.

She is the ultimate guardian, providing safety, spiritual enlightenment, and worldly prosperity to her offspring, as well as an easy way to their heart's desire for her devotees.

In the holy Vedic literature, Lajja Gauri is described as the Mother of All Gods and the intercessor between humans and the Divine.



~Kiran Atma