The Ashtamatrikas

The eight Mother Goddesses, or Ashtamatrikas in Hinduism, are a group of powerful, fearsome deities who personify the divine energy (shakti) of major male gods. They appear as a collective force, often alongside the supreme goddess Devi, to assist in the cosmic battle against demons. 

In addition to the seven mothers who represent male gods, the eighth goddess can vary depending on the tradition. 

The eight Matrikas

According to the Detroit Institute of Arts and other sources, the eight mothers include the female counterparts of the following male deities: 

• Brahmani: The shakti of the god Brahma, depicted with four heads and riding a goose.
• Maheshvari: The shakti of Maheshvara (a name for Shiva), seen riding a bull.
• Vaishnavi: The shakti of Vishnu, shown flying on the eagle-like Garuda.
• Kaumari: The shakti of Kumara (Skanda), who rides a peacock.
• Aindri: The shakti of Indra, often seated on an elephant and holding a thunderbolt.
• Narasimhi: The shakti of the man-lion incarnation of Vishnu, who tears demons to shreds with her claws.
• Varahi: The sow-faced shakti of the boar incarnation of Vishnu, who pierces her enemies with her tusks.
• Chamunda: A terrifying, emaciated goddess who represents the destructive power of Devi herself. 

Variations in tradition

The exact composition of the eight Matrikas can vary by region and tradition: 

• Nepal: Some Nepalese traditions add Lakshmi to the group to represent the eight cardinal directions.
• Devi-Purana: This text mentions adding an elephant-headed Vinayaki (the shakti of Ganesha) to create a group of nine goddesses.
• Varaha Purana: In this text, Chamunda may be replaced with Yogeshvari, a form of Parvati. 

Worship and symbolism

The Matrikas are seen as both fearsome and protective. Early texts portray them as potentially fatal to children, while later traditions cast them as protective and benevolent mothers. They are considered highly significant in Shaktism and Tantrism, the Hindu traditions that focus on the worship of the Goddess. 

They are often depicted in sculpture as a row of goddesses flanked by the gods Shiva and Ganesha. Their presence in temples and carvings signifies their importance as warriors and symbols of divine feminine power. 

THINK ABOUT IT

Ok it’s your turn. Which part of the Ashtamatrikas intrigued you the most? Have you been inspired by a specific aspect or a combination of imagery from this ancient story? OK if you can see it in your mind — go for it! Crayons, cut paper, pencil, paint, miniatures, song, music? Pick up your favorite medium and go to town!

If you’re reading this Congratulations! You just expanded your creative toolkit!