A Nepalese solid bronze figure of Vasudhara, 19th C.

H.: 19 cm

Vasudhara is one of the important and popular feminine deities in Nepalese Buddhist society. Vasudhara Vrata, which is performed to honour this deity for two consecutive days once a year, is a very popular event among Nepalese Buddhists. She is believed to be the bestower of wealth and prosperity similar to Laxmi Devi in Hinduism. It is said that through the practice of Vasudhara Vrata devotees accumulate seven kinds of prosperity i.e. wealth, quality, offspring, long life, happiness, praise and wisdom. (source: The iconography of Nepalese Buddhism, Min Bahadur Shakya, 1994)