Built during the Chola dynasty, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its architectural excellence.
One of the notable artistic elements on the inside walls of cloister mandappa is the Nayaka painting of Gajalakshmi. The Hindu Goddess Gajalakshmi (Lakshmi with Elephants) is depicted seated on a lotus in Padmasana, flanked on both sides by elephants (Gaja). She carries lotus flowers in each of her upper arms, and the lower hands are showering blessings on her devotees in Abhya and Varada Mudra.