Matrika, Matrika Devi or Matrikas (seven or eight goddesses) in Hinduism are a group of various goddesses known as mothers. These goddesses represent various forms of Shakti and are described in the Puranas, Tantra texts and other religious literature. Matrikas express the powers and special qualities of various gods and goddesses.
Saptamatrika or Ashtamatrika:
Saptamatrika is a group of seven goddesses, while in some traditions eight goddesses are worshiped as Ashtamatrika. The main seven Matrikas are as follows:
1. Brahmi:
Representation: Power of Brahma
Description: Brahmi rides on a swan and has four hands, in which she holds a kamandalu, a garland, a weapon and a book.
Significance: She is the goddess of creation and knowledge.
2. Vaishnavi:
Representation: Power of Vishnu
Description: Vaishnavi rides on Garuda and has four or six hands, in which she holds the conch, chakra, mace, and padma.
Significance: She is the goddess of nurture and protection.
3. Maheshwari:
Representation: Power of Shiva
Description: Maheshwari rides on Nandi and has four hands, in which she holds a trident, damru, weapon and a garland.
Significance: She is the goddess of destruction and re-creation.
4. Indrani:
Representation: Power of Indra
Description: Indrani rides on Airavata (elephant) and has four hands, in which she holds vajra, ankush, sastra and rosary.
Significance: She is the goddess of power and opulence.
5. virginity:
Representation: Power of Kartikeya (Kumar)
Description: Kumari rides on a peacock and has four or six hands, in which she holds Shakti, garland and weapons.
Significance: She is the goddess of war and victory.
6. Varahi:
Representation: Power of Varaha
Description: Varaahi rides on a pig and has four hands, in which she holds a hala, weapon and a garland.
Significance: She is the goddess of power and protection of the earth.
7. Chamunda:
Representation: Power of Durga or Kali
Description: Chamunda's vehicle is the cremation ground and she has four or eight hands, in which she holds a trident, khappar, mund, and weapons.
Significance: She is the goddess of fear and destruction.
8. Narasimhi: (in some traditions)
Representation: Power of Narasimha
Description: Narasimhi's vehicle is a lion and she has four or eight hands, in which she holds weapons and garlands.
Significance: She is the goddess of strength and protection.
Worship and importance:
Sadhana and Tantra: Worship of Matrikas is an important part of Tantric Sadhana. Various achievements can be achieved by his sadhana.
Navratri: Matrikas are worshiped especially during Navratri, when various forms of Goddess Shakti are invoked.
Yagyas and Rituals:The Matrikas are worshiped in various yagyas and rituals, which bestow strength, wisdom and prosperity.
Preaching and Message:
Source of power: Matrikas are the source of various powers and by worshiping them the devotee gets various types of powers.
Symbol of women power: They are a symbol of women power and its diversity, which shows that a woman has infinite powers.
All round development: Worship of Matrikas leads to physical, mental and spiritual development of the seeker.
Matrikas are the goddesses of power, knowledge, and prosperity and their worship brings various types of achievements and blessings to the devotees. She is a living example of women power and worshiping her brings balance, strength and prosperity in life.
