It is an interesting part of the vedic tradition, that the murti in a temple must be purified in various ways. One of the most enjoyable is called abishekam. It is, in its essence, a process of giving the murti a bath to purify it so that the deity (Lakshmi in this case, seen above) will happily take residence in the temple and bless the devotees.
So in that sense, the murti is seen as a “container” for the deity and that container must be properly maintained. For example, each month when the Moon is in the nakshatra (vedic constellation) called Utara Phalguni, Lakshmi receives a bath (abishekam). Mantras are chanted and water, then milk, buttermilk, yogurt curd, scented sandalwood paste, turmeric, rose water, and other ingredients are poured over her.
Note also that the priests are careful to maintain her modesty, with a special sari that serves as a “bathing suit”. At the end of the abishekam, the temple really does feel refreshed, clean, and somehow lighter. It is a very enjoyable temple function well worth attending when you have the chance.