From Temple Stone to Silver Form

Long before jewellery found its place in showcases at homes and museums, it first appeared carved in stone.

Walk through the ancient temples of Belur, Halebidu or Ellora, and beyond the soaring pillars and intricate carvings are faces that seem remarkably alive. A smile that feels almost surreal. A gaze that holds yours. The graceful crown interpreted in all its glory. Jewellery carved so delicately that it appears almost weightless. Every detail is shaped with such extraordinary purpose.

The master sculptors of India were never merely carving deities. They were preserving devotion through expression, craftsmanship and artistry, believing that divinity could be felt not only through worship, but through the beauty of its form.

Centuries later, those very traditions continue to inspire artists in new ways. This Varamahalakshmi, C. Krishniah Chetty returns to these timeless sources of inspiration, translating the language of temple sculpture into a spiritual collection of handcrafted silver Lakshmi Mukhawadas, where heritage is not simply remembered, but intentionally reimagined.

Our Temples Were Once India’s Greatest Design Studios

The world’s finest museums often celebrate sculpture as art. In India, it was always something more. Our temples became living galleries where sculpture, architecture, ornamentation, and storytelling came together as one. They were the pride of every ruling kingdom, and decades after, the relics of a glorious past that was steeped in culture, imagination and artistry.

Take the temples of Belur and Halebidu, for instance. Their sculptors worked with remarkable precision, carving jewellery so intricate that necklaces appear to drape naturally, bangles seem to rest softly on the wrist, and every strand of hair carries a sense of innate movement. Even today, these masterpieces continue to astonish historians and artists alike, not merely for their scale, but for their life-like attention to detail.

It is easy to admire these sculptures for their beauty. What is less obvious is that they have silently influenced generations of Indian and global artisans. Long before jewellery was designed on paper or modelled on a computer, many of its forms, motifs, and proportions were first imagined in temple stone. Nothing inspires like history does, and that is the greatest truth behind every piece of good art.

It is from this rich artistic legacy that C. Krishniah Chetty drew inspiration for its newest creation for this Varamahalakshmi.

When Heritage Becomes Craftsmanship

Inspired by this remarkable legacy, C. Krishniah Chetty set out to create something that has remained surprisingly unchanged for generations, the traditional Lakshmi Mukhawada. Found in homes across India and cherished during festivals and daily worship, it is perhaps one of the most familiar symbols of devotion. Yet, despite its cultural significance, its artistic interpretation has seldom evolved.

Rather than simply recreating a traditional form, the design team returned to the original artistic sources that shaped India’s sculptural legacy. Drawing inspiration from the temples of Belur and Halebidu, the expressive beauty of Ellora, the elegance associated with Shantala Devi, and historic goddess idols across India, every face was carefully studied before being reinterpreted in silver. Special attention was given to expression, ornamentation, hairstyles, and sculptural detail, ensuring the collection remained deeply rooted in classical Indian aesthetics while feeling relevant for today’s generation. The result is a standalone collection that preserves tradition while giving it a new expression, one that honours the past while creating an heirloom for the future.

Eight Expressions. Infinite Blessings.

The collection comprises eight delicatelycrafted Lakshmi Mukhawadas, inspired by the philosophy of the Ashta Lakshmi, the eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi, each representing a different form of abundance, from prosperity and courage to knowledge, harmony, and fulfilment. While the collection may be experienced as the Ashta Lakshmi collective, each face may also be chosen individually, allowing devotees to select the expression that resonates most deeply with their own spiritual connection.

Crafted in pure 925 silver, the collection is available in two thoughtfully designed editions: a larger full-silver finish and a smaller dual-finish interpretation, where silver is delicately highlighted with gold accents. Every Mukhawada possesses its own distinct expression and personality, making each piece as unique as the blessing it represents.

Designed for both festive occasions and everyday worship, these Lakshmi Mukhawadas offer a meaningful alternative to the mass-produced forms that have remained largely unchanged for generations. More than devotional objects, they are conceived as premium spiritual collectibles and modern heirlooms. These are pieces that celebrate India’s artistic legacy while carrying its traditions gracefully into contemporary homes.

An Auspicious Beginning

Varamahalakshmi is one of the most cherished festivals dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, celebrated in homes with prayers for prosperity, well-being, and the happiness of generations to come. It is a day when families come together to honour the many blessings that enrich life, not only material abundance, but also wisdom, strength, harmony, and peace.

Perhaps that is what makes this collectionespecially meaningful for the occasion. Inspired by the philosophy of the Ashta Lakshmi, each Mukhawada reflects one of the many expressions of the Goddess, while celebrating the extraordinary artistry that has shaped India’s spiritual heritage for centuries. These spiritual collectibles are a timeless expression of faith, thoughtfully crafted to become part of your family’s traditions for generations to come.

Discover the Collection

This Varamahalakshmi, discover the Ashta Lakshmi Mukhawada Collection, eight distinct expressions of Goddess Lakshmi, crafted in pure 925 silver and inspired by the timeless artistry of India’s temple traditions.

Visit your nearest C. Krishniah Chetty showroom or visit ckcjewellers.com to experience the collection and find the expression that resonates most deeply with you and your family.

Bring home these tangible traditions that are rediscovered, reimagined, and lovingly passed on.