Saptamatrika, Sapta-matrika, Saptamātṛka: 2 definitions

Introduction
Image gallery
In Hinduism
1. Vastushastra
2. Purana
See also
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Introduction:

Saptamatrika 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 Saptamātṛka can be transliterated into English as Saptamatrka or Saptamatrika, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Vastushastra (architecture)

Source: Shodhganga: Temples of Salem region Up to 1336 AD

Saptamātṛka (सप्तमातृक).—The saptamātṛkas are

Brāhmi,
Vaiṣṇavi.
Māheśvari,
Kaumāri,
Indrāṇi,
Vārāhi
and Cāmuṇḍā.

The concept of saptamātṛka is very old and goes back to the Puranic period. The sculptures of the saptamātṛkas begin to appear from the time of the Badami Chalukyas and continued during the successive centuries. The Nolambas being the overlords of a region of Kamataka adopted the cult of saptamātṛkas and proquered some of the best specimens of the saptamātṛka sculptures of Karnataka.

The carving of saptamātṛka sculptures is generally of two types. The first is the type where mātṛkas are carved individually. The second type consists of a row of saptamātṛkas carved on a single piece of stone. All these sculptures may be in relief or in the round.

context information

Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Naisadhacarita of Sriharsa (purana)

Saptamātṛkā (सप्तमातृका) refers to a set of Seven Mothers (Goddesses).—As has been pointed out by Avalon in the Introduction (p. 35) to Prapañcasāra-tantra, the Mātṛs are seven:—

Brahmāṇī,
Rudrāṇī,
Kaumārī,
Vaiṣṇavī,
Vārāhī,
Aindrī,
Cāmuṇḍā or Mahābharavī.

Usually eight [viz., Aṣṭamātṛkā (eight mothers) ] are spoken of and sometimes nine; the others being Aparājitā and Nārasiṃhī.

context information

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.

Relevant text

Search found 7 books and stories containing Saptamatrika, Saptan-matrka, Saptan-mātṛka, Sapta-matrka, Sapta-mātṛka, Saptan-matrika, Saptamatrka, Sapta-matrika, Saptamātṛka; (plurals include: Saptamatrikas, matrkas, mātṛkas, matrikas, Saptamatrkas, Saptamātṛkas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Temples in Velachcheri < [Chapter IV - Temples of Sundara Chola’s Time]

Ashta Parivara Devatas < [Chapter XIII - Prasada: Component Parts]

Temples in Nangavaram (about the 10th year) < [Chapter X - Historical Survey]

+ 11 more chapters / show preview

Temples in Kolar < [Chapter IV - Temples of Rajendra I’s Time]

Mahamandapa and Mukhamandapa < [Tanjavur/Thanjavur (Rajarajesvaram temple)]

Temples in Pachchil Tirumerrali < [Aditya I]

+ 9 more chapters / show preview

Other Gods and Goddesses < [Chapter 3 - Socio-Religious Life]

Necklace (Hara) < [Chapter 4 - Material Culture of the People]

Conclusion (Religious Beliefs and Customs) < [Chapter 5 - Conclusion]

+ 5 more chapters / show preview