Matangi
| Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R) |
Matangi (मातङ्गी) is an ancient Mother goddess of Nagavanshi origin in Maharashtra and Vidarbha regions.
Contents
Variants
Origin
Matanga was also name of a Naga King. (See List of Naga Rajas, S.N.35). It was also a Janapada in eastern India.
Nagavanshi History
Dr Naval Viyogi[1] writes....Ancient Naga[2] culture has very deep roots in the cultural and religious life of the people of Maharashtra, which can be seen even today, from the intensive study of their traditional gods and goddesses.
The original symbol of Mātangi is Valmiki (white-ant hill): Renuka, Enammna and Mātangi are worshipped in the form of Valmiki at different places in south. Santeri is worshipped in the form Bambi or serpent dwelling. This Valmiki is Yoni or vulva of earth and the serpent, who lives in, is representative of manhood or Linga. The meaning of the word Renuka, in origin, is earth (Renu+ka = like Renu) that is why she is called "of Kori Bhumi" or "Kumari Bhumi". Santeri is also known by the synonymous name of "Bhumi-ka" in Gomantaka. Similarly local gods like Marugan, Subrahmani, Khandova, Jyotiva, Khalnath and Bheron, which are worshipped in the form of Valmiki, are considered to be Kshetra-pati or Kshetra-pala (protector or keeper) Nagas.
Subrahmanya still to-day is worshiped by the name and form of Valmiki. Particularly, Manmelār (Manumilar = Melar of earth) in
Bellari and Adimelar in Jejuri, situated at the bank of river Kanha, are also Valmiki-Naga. Why does the sculpture of Santeri of Gomantaka, have a serpent in its hand? or why does the worshipper of Matangi are a Nag-garland (Nagkanth) in her hand? It can be understood from its protectorship form of Naga.[3]
Hindu goddess
Matangi (Mātaṅgī) is a Hindu goddess. She is one of the Mahavidyas, ten Tantric goddesses and an aspect of the Hindu Divine Mother. She is considered to be the Tantric form of Saraswati, the goddess of music and learning. Matangi governs speech, music, knowledge and the arts. Her worship is prescribed to acquire supernatural powers, especially gaining control over enemies, attracting people to oneself, acquiring mastery over the arts and gaining supreme knowledge.
In Mahabharata
Matangi (मातङ्गी) is mentioned in Mahabharata (I.60.59), (I.60.64)
Adi Parva, Mahabharata/Book I Chapter 60 gives genealogy of all the principal creatures. Matangi (मातङ्गी) is mentioned in Mahabharata (I.60.59). [4]....And Krodha gave birth to nine daughters, all of wrathful disposition. And their names were Mrigi, Mrigamanda, Hari, Bhadramana, Matangi, Sharduli, Shveta, Surabhi, and the agreeable Surasa blessed with every virtue.
Adi Parva, Mahabharata/Book I Chapter 60 gives genealogy of all the principal creatures. Matangi (मातङ्गी) is mentioned in Mahabharata (I.60.64). [5]....And, O king, the offspring of Matangi are all the Matanga (मातङ्ग) (elephants). And Shveta begat the large elephant known by the name of Shweta, endued with great speed.
External links
References
- ↑ Nagas, The Ancient Rulers of India, Their Origins and History, 2002, pp. 29-30
- ↑ Dr. Dhere R. C. "Lajjagauri" P-65 cited by Kosare H. L. P-215
- ↑ Dr. Dhere R. C. "Lajjagauri" P-65 cited by Kosare HL. PP-215-216
- ↑ मातङ्गीम अथ शार्दूलीं शवेतां सुरभिम एव च, सर्वलक्षणसंपन्नां सुरसां च यशस्विनीम (I.60.59)
- ↑ मातङ्ग्यास तव अथ मातङ्गा अपत्यानि नराधिप, दिशागजं तु शवेताख्यं शवेताजनयद आशुगम (I.60.64)