In Hinduism, Kamalā () or Kamalātmikā, () also known as Kamalālayā () is considered to be the Tantric characterisation of the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. In Shaktism, she is represented as the Devi in the fullness of her graceful aspect. She is believed to be the tenth and the last Mahavidya. She is also considered to be an form of the goddess Tripura Sundari.
Iconography In Shakti tradition, the lotus goddess is exalted thus:
The fact that Kamala is associated with elephants has two connotations: Firstly, elephants are harbingers of clouds and rain in Hinduism, thus indicating fertility; Secondly, as a powerful creature, it represents royal authority and divinity.
Among Mahavidya While Lakshmi is portrayed as a loving wife to Narayana and is often depicted as massaging his feet in her submissive role, Kamala is rendered more independent in her role, more candidly performing her duties as the goddess who ushers in bliss and prosperity. While she is still deemed as the beloved of Vishnu, he is mostly absent.
Sources
Further reading Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions () by David Kinsley Kinsley, David R. (1998). Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine: The Ten Mahāvidyās. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. ISBN 978-81-208-1522-3.