Enhanced image of the Ashta Matrika panel in the East Wing of Elephanta Caves Cave 1, depicting the Eight Divine Mothers
Ashta Matrikas — Divine Mothers of the Hindu Pantheon
The image shows part of a sculptural panel carved into the western wall of the west side hall (Ashtamatrika Mantapa) of the East Wing. The Ashtamatrika Mantapa is a rectangular hall whose southern wall contains the Ganesha panel, while the northern wall contains the Kartikeya panel. The entrance to this hall is on its eastern side and opens from the vestibule of the East Wing.
The image shown here has been heavily enhanced because the panel is severely weathered and damaged; without enhancement, many of the figures are difficult to identify.
The panel contained ten standing figures, with two male figures — likely Ganesha and Virabhadra — at the right end and eight female figures to the left.
Note: This image does not include all eight female figures. The first six figures visible from left to right are female deities, while the last visible figure is male. To see the remaining female figures, refer to the companion image of the panel.
The eight female deities are the Matrikas, divine mother goddesses who personify the shaktis (energies or powers) of major gods of the Hindu pantheon. Collectively, they are known as the Ashta Matrikas (Eight Divine Mothers).
Described in the Markandeya Purana, the Ashta Matrikas symbolize the collective divine energies that emerged from the Hindu pantheon during cosmic battles against evil forces.
The eight Matrikas represented here are:
1. Brahmi — shakti of Brahma
2. Maheshvari — shakti of Shiva
3. Vaishnavi — shakti of Vishnu
4. Kaumari (Kumari) — shakti of Kumara/Skanda/Kartikeya
5. Indrani (Aindri) — shakti of Indra, king of the devas
6. Varahi — shakti of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu
7. Narasimhi — shakti of Narasimha, the man-lion incarnation of Vishnu
8. Chamundi — fierce shakti associated with Durga
As seen in the image, each Matrika carries a dhvaja (staff bearing an emblem used to identify the goddess). These emblems typically represent the vahana (vehicle) associated with the corresponding deity. Some of the Matrikas are also shown carrying children, emphasizing their maternal aspect as divine protectors and nurturing mother goddesses.
The Matrikas are also associated with the episode of Andhakasura Vadha (the slaying of Andhakasura). According to this mythological episode, Shiva employed the Matrikas — created by Vishnu in this version of the narrative — during his battle against Andhaka, the powerful asura king.
A drop of Andhaka’s blood falling upon the ground had the power to generate countless new demons. To prevent this, the Matrikas drank the blood before it could touch the earth, thereby stopping the multiplication of the demon forces. Deprived of this supernatural power, Andhaka was finally defeated and slain by Shiva.
See the image Andhakasura Vadha (Shiva Slaying Andhakasura for more information about this episode.
Related Pages
– Badami
– Cave Temples of Badami
– Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, Badami Cave 3, Badami Cave 4
– Durga Temple at Aihole
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