Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known as Gajalakshmi, and occasionally with an owl. Elephants symbolize work, activity, and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity. The owl signifies the patient striving to observe, see, and discover knowledge, particularly when surrounded by darkness. As a bird reputedly blinded by daylight, the owl also serves as a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth have been acquired. The Gupta period sculpture used to associate lion with Lakshmi but was later attributed to Durga or a combined form of both goddesses. Lion is also associated with "Veera Lakshmi", who is one of the Ashtalakshmi.