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Dictionary Of Hindu Religion | Dictionary
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Maatrikaa |
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P-Q R S T-U V-W-X Y-Z See also Maatrikaa Nyaas
(2) Devee. Maaatrikaa is a group of Hindu goddesses who are always
depicted together. Since they are usually depicted as a heptad, they are
called Sapt Maatrikaa (seven mothers): However, they may sometimes be eight (eight mothers). Whereas in South India, Sapt Maatrika worship is prevalent, the Asht Maatrikaa are venerated in Nepal. Naarad Puraan, 1/23 describes 16 Maatrikaa, their names are - (1) Gauree, (2) Padmaa, (3) Shachee, (4) Medhaa, (5) Saavitree, (6) Vijayaa, (7) Jayaa, (8) Devsenaa, (9) Swadhaa, (10) Swaahaa, (11) Maatrikaayen, (12) Vaidhriti, (13) Dhriti, (14) Pushti, (15) Hrishti, and (16) Tushti. They should be worshipped before worshipping planets. One must worship them at the time of increase in one's family, for example at the time of birth, marriage, opening a new business etc. Two Kinds of Maatrikaa There are two kinds of Maatrikaa - (1) the beneficent 8 Shakti - (1) Brahmaanee, (2) Kaarttikeyee, (3) Varaahee, (4) Vaishnavee, (5) Maaheshwaree, (6) Maahendree, (7) Aindree, and (8) Yamee; and (2) the Daakinee Maatrikaa - they are of terrific aspect and destructive disposition, such as Mukt-Keshee, Smitaananaa, Lol-Jihvaa, and others The Yoginee Tantra (Eighth Patal) gives an account of
the origin of the Daakinee Maatrikaa. At the dissolution, when nothing
was left in Shiv, but the five elements, he asked his Shakti to find him
a place for them, his own creation having been destroyed. Shakti said
that the Creation was hers, and not his, for without her Shiv was only a
Shava (corpse). At this Shiv went away in anger, and going westward he
created a demon of huge form out of the ashes of his body. He then
returned to Shakti and took her with him to he demon. The demon, on
seeing Shakti, was overcome by lust for her and begged of her to save
his life by the gratification of his desire. Shakti assented if he could
defeat her in battle. It was then that Shakti threw out from herself the
terrible Maatrikaa who are those referred to as Daakinee Maatrikaa. Yoginee is one of the Maatrikaa - attendants of Kaalee.
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Created by Sushma Gupta on 3/15/06
Contact: sushmajee@yahoo.com
Updated on
04/23/13