Bihar Museum, located in the capital Patna, which was also known as Pataliputra in ancient times, is world famous for its amazing collection of artifacts and sculptures. One of these artifacts is Didarganj Yakshi, which was carved on sandy brown Chunargarh stone.
This artifact is renowned allover the World. It was discovered from the bank of River Ganga, Didarganj a suburban of Patna District which is Capital also of Bihar State.
Researchers believe it to be from the third century BC. It is a full-sized statue with excellent Mauryan polish. This statue is adorned with jewels and is holding a Chauri means fly-whisk which is used to swat the flies, in the right hand. Well proportioned, free standing statues lower garments make a somewhat transpicuous effect.
Rather than being goddesses, Yakshinis are often local sacred spirits of water and trees, depending on regional traditions and customs, and are figures of Indian folk religion that are prominent in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
This statue is a splendid example of exquisite Indian sculpture and it’s a chief attraction of the Museum.