​Who are the Sapta Matrikas in Hinduism​

Sapta Matrikas, or the seven divine goddesses, are affiliated with Mother Shakti and Skanda Mata. Matrika means mother, and Matris includes a group of mothers. According to popular beliefs, Sapta-matrikas appeared to defeat the thousands of Andhakas that were born from the blood of the demon Andhaka. Saptamatrikas are among the numerous incarnations of Goddess Shakti. But their characteristics differ from region to region and from scripture to scripture.

Goddess Brahmi is among is the first among the Sapta Matrikas, known for a unique legend in her name. It is believed that during a fierce battle, when Maa Kali saw an endless army of the demon Rakta Beeja, she cried out so loud that Brahmani appeared from her mouth. But she arrived calmly, seated on a swan, holding sacred water and a rosary. She is often seen as the one with four faces that glow like the warmth of morning sunshine, adorned with a golden saree and a majestic crown that sits at the top of her head. Goddess Brahmani stands for pride; her gentle gaze and effortless wisdom invite us to stay humble and grounded.

Goddess Maheshwari is one among the seven mother goddesses or Sapta Matrikas. Goddess Maheshwari takes Her name from Lord Shiva (Maheshwara) and She is believed to have born from the body of Lord Shiva. She is armed with similar weapons to Shiva and has numerous other symbols and characteristics of Shiva.

Goddess Kaumari is the female energy of Lord Kumar (Muruga or Kartik. According to popular beliefs, she is described as having six faces and twelve arms. Lord Kartik is also depicted as having six faces, as he was born as six different babies and was later joined by Goddess Parvati. Goddess Kaumari has four hands and she carries a small vel (lance) and flag in two hands; her two hands are in Abhaya and Varatha posture.

Goddess Vaishnavi takes her name from Lord Vishnu and she is believed to have been born from his body. Goddess Vaishnavi is mentioned in the Varaha Purana, Matsya Purana and Markandeya Purana. There is also a legend which suggests Vaishnavi came out from Goddess Kaumari’s hand, seated on Garuda and holding a conch, discus, club, sword, bow and arrow.

Goddess Varahi takes her name from Varaha – one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. She has the same weapons and ornaments as Varaha. Varahi is often depicted with the face of a boar, and her skin complexion is that of a storm cloud. She is sometimes depicted as four-armed. Sometimes as two-armed and is shown holding Hala (plough) and Sakti.

Goddess Indrani has characteristics similar to those of Lord Indra. She is depicted as having four arms, and she holds in two hands a vajra and a flag with a symbol of a pot. Goddess Indrani is believed to help in destroying jealousy. Her face is divine and she wears a beautiful crown on her head that adds more to her otherworldly appearance.

The origin of Goddess Chamundi is mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya and Markandeya Purana. While Goddess Durga was engaged in a battle with demons Chanda and Munda, Goddess Kali emerged from the forehead of Durga and killed Chanda and Munda. Pleased with Goddess Kali, Durga called her Chamunda. She is one of the fierce avatars of Maa Durga and as legends mention, she is one among the seven forms of Shakti that came to help Shiva while he was waging a battle with Andaka.