Ashtamatri, Aṣṭamātṛ, Ashtan-matri: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Ashtamatri means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
The Sanskrit term Aṣṭamātṛ can be transliterated into English as Astamatr or Ashtamatri, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Wisdom Library: PurāṇasAṣṭamātṛ (अष्टमातृ) is another name for Aṣṭamātṛkā, referring to a set of Eight Mothers (Goddesses).
The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric TraditionsAṣṭamātṛ (अष्टमातृ) refers to the “eight mother-goddesses”, according to verse 4.497ff of the Brahmayāmala-tantra (or Picumata), an early 7th century Śaiva text consisting of twelve-thousand verses.—Accordingly, “[...] A third series of lotuses serves as the locus for installation of the Eight Mother-goddesses (aṣṭamātṛ), accompanied by the male deity Mātṛvīra. In this case as well the lotuses do not form a vertical axis, lying at various positions on the head and torso: the points between the eyebrows and between the eyes, the tip of the nose, and each ear. [...]”.
The Eight Mother Goddesses (aṣṭamātṛ) are:
- Maheśvarī (aṃ),
- Brāhmī (e),
- Vaiṣṇavī (ā),
- Kaumārī (a),
- Vaivasvatī (ī),
- Indrāṇī (i),
- Caṇḍikā (svā),
- Paramā/Aghorī (hā).
Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Google Books: ManthanabhairavatantramAṣṭamātṛ (अष्टमातृ) [=Mātryaṣṭaka?] refers to the “group of eight Mothers”, according to the Kularatnoddyota (verse 2.4cd-10).—Accordingly, “[The Śrīkula is] accomplished by the Command and, supremely divine, it is adorned with the lineage of the Śrīkrama. [...] It is called the Lineage of the Siddhas and is attended by Yoginīs and Siddhas. (The teaching concerns) many Wheels and it is presided over by the Six Goddesses. It includes the six-fold deposition and its forms are Mudrā and Maṇḍala. It includes (the teachings concerning) the group of eight Mothers (mātryaṣṭaka-samāyukta) and the liturgy of the Sacred Seats, the beginningless liturgy called that of the Child, Youth and the Aged. [...]”.
Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Ashta, Matri.
Starts with: Ashtamatrika.
Full-text: Matrivira, Matryashtaka, Shashthidevi.
Relevant text
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Puranic encyclopaedia (by Vettam Mani)