matrika

In Hinduism, the matrikas are a group of fierce goddesses, each of whom is associated with a mantra seed syllable. These goddesses are often thought of as the female energies (Skt. shakti) of particular male gods. There are usually said to be seven matrikas, corresponding to the seven stars of the Pleiades. In Nepal there are understood to be eight matrikas: Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshwari, Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi, Chamunda, and Mahalakshmi.