Saptamatrikas – Sapta Matrikas Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshvari, Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi, and Chamunda or Narasimhi

Saptamatrikas or Sapta Matrukas are a group of seven powerful Goddesses always depicted together in Hindu Scriptures. Goddesses – Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshvari, Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi, and Chamunda or Narasimhi are known as Saptamatrikas. Sometimes they are also depicted as Ashtamatrikas. These Goddesses are worshipped for personal and spiritual rejuvenation. As per the Devi Purana, Matrikas are worshipped for power of ruling and mukti (salvation). Here is the brief description of each Saptamatrika / Ashtamatrika Goddess.

1. Goddess Brahmi or Brahmani
Brahmi is the Shakti (power) of Lord Brahma. She is depicted similar to Brahma but in female attire. Brahmi is also shown seated on lotus with her Hama vahanam (swan).

2. Goddess Vaishnavi
Vaishnavi is the Shakti of Lord Vishnu. She is depicted similar to Vishnu but in female attire. Vaishnavi is also shown seated on Garuda.

3. Goddess Maheshvari / Rudrani / Raudri / Maheshi
Maheshvari is the Shakti of Lord Shiva. She is depicted as having Jata mukuta (matted hair), Trinetra (three eyes), and adorned with Kapala (skull-bowl) and Serpent bracelet. She is shown seated on Nandi (bull).

4. Goddess Aindri / Indrani / Mahendri / Shakri / Vajri
Indrani Devi is the power of Lord Indra. She is depicted as having two or three or thousand eyes like Indra. Indrani is shown seated on elephant.

5. Goddess Kaumari / Kumari / Kartikeyani / Ambika
Kaumari Devi is the power of Lord Kartikeya or Kumara. Depicted with six heads like Lord Shanmukha (Skanda or Kumara), Kaumari rides a peacock.

6. Goddess Varahi / Vairali
Varahi Devi is the power of Lord Yama, the God of death. The boar-headed Goddess is depicted as holding Danda, Vajra, Chamara (a yak’s tail), and some other weapons.

7. Goddess Chamunda / Chamundi / Charchika
Chamunda is the power of Devi or Chandi. Appearance of the Goddess is similar to Kali mata. She is shown seated on a jackal.

8. Goddess Narasimhi
Narasimhi is the power of Lord Narasimha, the Lion-faced incarnation of Lord Vishnu.