Indian Tantric Water Spout

Three carved panels and one channel for water. Each panel speaks to creation in its own way.

This tantric water spout comes from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 19th century. It is Jaisalmer stone. Tantric traditions in India use both figures and geometry as aids to worship. At center, a female figure sits with knees raised and open, a lotus in place of her head, a form that recalls the goddess Lajja Gauri, linked with fertility. To the right is a Sri Yantra of interlocking triangles, and to the left a flame-like form inside a lotus border. A notched spout projects below. Forty-three inches wide and 23 high.

Water once meant to pass here would have passed with some ceremony.