Matangi:The Ninth Manifestation of Dasa Mahavidyas

Matangi, a lesser-known yet powerful Hindu goddess, stands among the ten Mahavidyas (Dasa Mahavidyas), a group of divine entities in Tantra. She embodies the essence of wisdom, arts, and supernatural prowess. Often regarded as the Tantric counterpart of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of music and knowledge, Matangi’s domain encompasses speech, music, and the acquisition of mystical abilities. Her worship leads to mastery over the arts, the power to control adversaries, and the magnetic pull of people. In this article, we delve into the captivating realm of Matangi, unveiling her significance, legends, worship practices, and temple associations.

Understanding Matangi’s Associations

The Ten Mahavidyas

Matangi is a member of the revered Ten Mahavidyas, a group of ten goddesses representing various aspects of the divine feminine energy.

Matangi’s Abode

Matangi is often linked to the periphery of traditional society, such as forests and speech, highlighting her association with the unconventional and the unorthodox.

Consort of Shiva

Matangi is believed to be a consort of Lord Shiva in his form as Matanga, a unique representation of Brahma.

Matangi’s Complex Iconography

Matangi’s iconography is rich and diverse, reflecting her many facets.

Uchchhishta-Matangi

Seated on a corpse, she wears red garments and jewelry, holding a skull bowl and a sword. She is described as a young maiden with fully developed breasts.

Raja-Matangi

Known for her musical prowess, Raja-Matangi plays the veena and is often depicted with a parrot. She is adorned with a garland of kadamba flowers and various ornaments.

Green Complexion

Matangi’s green complexion symbolizes deep knowledge and is associated with Budha, the deity of Mercury, governing intelligence.

Parrot and Veena

The presence of a parrot in her hands signifies speech, while the veena symbolizes her connection to music.

Legends Surrounding Matangi

The Equivalence with Buddha

Matangi is sometimes equated with Buddha in certain texts, emphasizing her unique status among the Mahavidyas.

Matangi’s Transformation

Legends narrate that Matangi emerged from Sati‘s transformation in response to a yajna where she and Shiva were not invited.

The Birth of Uchchhishta-Matangi

Vishnu and Lakshmi‘s offering of food leads to the birth of Uchchhishta-Matangi, a manifestation of Goddess Saraswati.

Matangi’s Role in Shiva’s Love Story

Matangi plays a significant role in Shiva’s love story, contributing to her complex character.

Matangi’s Worship and Rituals

Mantra Worship

Matangi is worshipped with mantras, with the syllable “Aim” often associated with her. Her worship grants control over others and attracts people.

1. Ashtakshar Matangi Mantra (8 Syllables Mantra)

कामिनी रञ्जिनी स्वाहा॥

Kamini Ranjini Svaha॥

2. Dashakshar Matangi Mantra (10 Syllables Mantra)

ॐ ह्रीं क्लीं हूं मातंग्यै फट् स्वाहा॥

Om Hreem Kleem Hum Matangyai Phat Svaha॥

3. Matangi Gayatri Mantra

ॐ शुक्रप्रियायै विद्महे श्रीकामेश्वर्यै धीमहि तन्नः श्यामा प्रचोदयात्॥

Om Shukrapriyayai Vidmahe Shrikameshvaryai Dhimahi Tannah Shyama Prachodayat॥

Yantra and Offerings

Yantras, sacred geometric diagrams, are used in Matangi’s worship, accompanied by specific offerings like Bael leaves, salt, turmeric, and more, each with its unique significance.

Taboos and Unconventional Practices

Matangi worship involves unconventional practices, including offering leftover or partially eaten food (Uchchhishta) and even cloth stained with menstrual blood.

Inclusivity in Worship

Matangi worship breaks barriers, as it allows anyone to use her mantra for worship, irrespective of initiation or fitness for worshipping other deities.

Temples Dedicated to Matangi

Kamakhya Temple Complex

Matangi finds her place in the Kamakhya Temple complex, a prominent Shaktipeeth for Tantra worship, alongside other Mahavidyas.

Other Temples in India

Matangi is worshipped in various forms and names in temples across India, including Meenakshi in Madurai and Modheshwari in Gujarat.