and vary in number. In the Chandi Path, Durga brings forth seven Matrika
Shaktis (Brahmani, Maheshvari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Aindri, and
Narasimhi), and two wrathful Shaktis (Shivadhuti and Chamunda).
For some reason, when the Saptamatrikas are worshipped, Chamunda replaces
Narasimhi as the last Mother. They are usually presented with Shiva to
the left, leading them as Vinadhara (the Lute-player). The Mothers
follow in the order I gave above, and to their right is Vinayaka Ganesha.
The central Mother, Vaishnavi (akin to Lakshmi) rules over fat and
abundance, so the Mothers are displayed in a shrine to assure the wealth
of the village. When disease or famine causes the population to decline,
they move Chamunda to the central position, as she rules over semen and
increased progeny.
The other
Brahmani: skin
Maheshvari: blood
Kaumari: muscle
Vaishnavi: fat
Varahi: bone
Aindri: marrow
Chamunda: semen
I have a Yantra which assigns the Saptamatrikas to the traditional
compass directions, Brahmani to North, Maheshvari to North-east, and so
on clockwise around the compass. As there are eight compass directions,
the last, North-west, is assigned to Durga Mahalakshmi, from whom the
Matrikas emerged.
