Ardoksho

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Ardoxsho

ORIGIN:

Bactrian; Kushan

The Kushan Empire once stretched from Afghanistan to Northern India. For several centuries in the early Common Era, it controlled trade routes between east (China) and west (Iran, the Middle East, and Rome). This seems to be where Ardoksho originates, but arguments are also made that she comes from Iran. Ardoksho is a goddess of abundance, sometimes identified with Hindu goddess Lakshmi. Her image appears frequently on Kushan coins. Carrying a coin with Ardoksho’s image allegedly attracts money, abundance, and good fortune (or at least that’s the legend the coin dealers tell).

ICONOGRAPHY:

She is depicted as a majestic woman seated on a throne.

ATTRIBUTE:

Cornucopia

SEE ALSO:

Lakshmi

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.