Who is Goddess Vaishnavi?
Devi Vaishnavi is one of the SaptaMatrikas. She is the female counterpart or the creative energy of Lord Vishnu.
शङ्खचक्रगदाशार्ङ्गगृहीतपरमायुधे ।
प्रसीद वैष्णवीरूपे नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
(Salutations to You O Narayani) Who carry weapons Conch, Discus, Mace and Bow. And Assume the Form of Devi Vaishnavi; Please be Gracious to Us; Salutations to You O Narayani.
Mythology Behind The Origin Of Goddess Vaishnavi
The Saptamatrikas are described as blood-thirsty, ferocious warrior deities in Puranas, who protected Devi Parvati in Lord Shiva’s absence. Matrikas later joined Shiva in His battle with the demon Andhakasura. Together, they won over the demon. Read the story here
According to Suprabhedāgama, Lord Brahma created Matrikas to kill the demon Nirṛta (निरृत).
According to Vamana Purana, Devi Vaishnavi originated from Devi Kaumari’s hand. She appeared seated on Garuda carrying conch, discus, club, sword, bow and arrow. The Saptamatrikas helped Devi Ambika in her battle against Raktabeeja.
Iconography of Goddess Vaishnavi
Devi Vaishnavi sculptures show her with a lovely face, pretty eyes and beautiful breasts. She is a dark complexion goddess who is fond of wearing yellow garments. Her emblem and vehicle is Garuda, same as Lord Vishnu. She wears Vanamala and all ornaments which Lord Vishnu wears. She resides under Raja-Vriksha.
According to Purvakarnaagama, she is a four-handed Goddess and carries Conch and Chakra in her two hands. The other two hands are in Abhaya and Varada pose.
According to Vishnudharmottara, she is a six-handed Goddess and carries mace, lotus, conch, chakra and other hands are in Abhaya and Varada poses.
According to Devi Purana too she is a four-handed Goddess. Here, she carries mace and lotus in her two hands mentioned to be in Varada and Abhaya pose in Purvakarnaagama.
Significance of Devi Vaishnavi weapons
Chakra symbolizes a purified mind. It represents the capability of Goddess in destroying the ego of her devotees.
Abhaya Mudra assures protection of her Devotees.
Conch represents sound Om, which is the divine sound signifying creation and maintenance.
Mace represents spiritual, mental and physical strength.
Devi Vaishnavi represents Greed
All Sapta-matrikas represents one bad-quality. And Goddess Vaishnavi represents greed or लोभ. By worshiping her, one can get rid of desire to own more.
Devi Vaishnavi – the Goddess deity of North
Tantra-yoga visualizes seven Goddesses as the presiding deity of the seven chakras present in the subtle body of every human being. In this context, Devi Vaishnavi represents the heart. Matrikas are the presiding deities of different directions too. Devi Vaishnavi is the deity of the North.
What does one get by worshipping Devi Vaishnavi
Each of the Saptamatrikas carry special power. Devi Vaishnavi confers the boon of Kingdom to her devotees.
Position of Devi Vaishnavi in Saptamatrika Panel
The order of appearance of Matrikas in Saptamatrika panel is very important. Devi Brahmani is the first to appear in the group and she symbolizes creation (like that of Lord Brahma). Devi Vaishnavi is at second position and her task is to provide the created world with symmetry, beauty and order.
Disclaimer: I noticed that in some panels the sequence is slightly different. I am not sure if it was because the sculptors were not aware of the scripture or they took liberties.
References
- Seven Secrets of Goddess – Devdutt Pattanaik
- The iconography of Hindu Tantric Deities – Gudrun Buhnemann
- Yogini Cult and Temples – VIdya Dehejia
- Illustrated dictionary of Hindu Iconography – Margaret Stutley
- Saptamatrikas in Indian Art and their significance in Indian Sculpture and Ethos – Meghali Goswami, Dr.Ila Gupta, Dr.P.Jha
- Saptamatrikas by Bharati Pal
- Goddess Cult in North India
- Elements of Indian Art by S.P.Gupta
- Elements of Hindu Iconography, By T. A. Gopinatha Rao
- https://greenmesg.org
- Iconography in Hinduism by Sherline Pimenta
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