Brahmi

Brahmi, or Brahmani, is a form of Devī (The Goddess) understood to be the shakti, or dynamic power, of Brahmā, the god of creation. Like Brahmā she has four faces (the one to the rear is not visible) symbolizing universal knowledge, and four arms that represent universal power. Her two forward arms once formed the symbolic gestures (mudrā) of fearlessness (right, palm forward fingers up) and generosity (left, palm forward, fingers down). Her upper arms hold attributes of Brahmā, the upper right a ladle (sruk) used in offerings and the upper left a brush of kusa grass, both of which refer to sacrifice. Below her is the vehicle of Brahmā and Brahmi, the haṃsa, often translated as swan or goose.

Brahmi is one of a group of warrior goddesses known as the Seven Mothers (saptamātṝkāh), and this sculpture was probably part of a larger relief sculpture that represented all of the goddesses.