Verse 44 of Ucchista Ganapati Ashtastotram: Surrounded by the Eight Ashta Matrika Goddesses

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UCCHISTA GANAPATI ASHTASTOTRAM LEARNING SERIES:

ॐ ब्राह्म्यादिमातृनिवःपरीताय नमो नमः ॐ

Salutations to the One who’s surrounded by the eight mātṛkā (forms of the divine mother śrī lalitā ) devīs.

 The yantra of śrī ucchiṣṭa gaṇeśa has āvaraṇas or coverings, one of which has the eight mātṛkā devīs.

Commentary on Verse 44 of Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati Aṣṭottara Stotram

Word-by-Word Meaning:

• Oṃ – The primordial cosmic vibration, invoking the Supreme.
• Brāhmyādi – Brāhmī and the other Sapta (seven) Mātṛkās (divine mother goddesses).
• Mātṛnivaḥ – The group of divine mothers.
• Parītāya – Surrounded or encircled by.
• Namo Namaḥ – Repeated salutations, signifying deep reverence.

Commentary:

This verse glorifies Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati as the One who is always surrounded by the Mātṛkās, the powerful aspects of Śrī Lalitā Tripurasundarī, in His mystical Yantra and spiritual manifestations. The Mātṛkās (Divine Mothers) are Shaktis (energies) of the main deities of Hinduism and play a crucial role in both Tantric and Śrī Vidyā traditions.

1. The Eight Mātṛkās and Their Significance

The Aṣṭa Mātṛkās (Eight Divine Mothers) mentioned in this verse are extensions of Śrī Lalitā and Mahāvidyās, associated with creation, protection, and dissolution. They are:

1. Brāhmī – The power of Brahmā, bestowing wisdom and knowledge.
2. Māheśvarī – The power of Śiva, granting destruction of ignorance.
3. Kaumārī – The power of Skanda (Kārttikeya), signifying youthful energy.
4. Vaiṣṇavī – The power of Viṣṇu, representing preservation and sustenance.
5. Vārāhī – The power of Varāha (Viṣṇu’s boar incarnation), signifying protection and the destruction of negative forces.
6. Indrāṇī – The power of Indra, symbolizing supreme rulership and command over divine forces.
7. Cāmuṇḍā – The fierce form of Durgā, associated with destruction and victory over evil.
8. Mahālakṣmī – The power of Lakṣmī, representing divine abundance and fulfillment.

These Mātṛkās are guardians of cosmic energy, and their presence signifies Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati’s connection to supreme feminine power (Śakti).

2. Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati’s Yantra and the Role of Mātṛkās

In Śrī Vidyā and Tantra, Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati’s Yantra (mystical geometric diagram) is enclosed by different Āvaraṇas (coverings), each containing divine energies.

• One of these Āvaraṇas holds the Eight Mātṛkās as divine guardians.
• Their presence reinforces the Tantric nature of Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati, where He is not just a remover of obstacles but also a deity of esoteric wisdom, mantras, and mystical powers.
• Worshiping Him through His Yantra aligns the seeker with the energies of the Mātṛkās, enabling spiritual growth and divine blessings.

3. Connection to Śrī Lalitā and Śakti Worship

• The Mātṛkās are considered aspects of Śrī Lalitā Tripurasundarī, the Supreme Goddess of Śrī Vidyā.
• Their presence around Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati highlights His role as the Tantric guardian of sacred wisdom.
• In Śrī Vidyā Sādhana, invoking these deities removes karmic blockages and aids in spiritual liberation (mokṣa).

4. Practical Application for Devotees

• Chanting Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati mantras along with the names of the Mātṛkās can bring protection, wisdom, and divine energy.
• Worshiping the Yantra of Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati helps invoke the collective blessings of the Mātṛkās and Śakti forces.
• This verse teaches that Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati is deeply connected to Śakti (Divine Feminine Power), making Him a crucial deity for those practicing Tantric and Śrī Vidyā traditions.

Conclusion

Verse 44 beautifully illustrates Ucchiṣṭa Gaṇapati’s association with the Mātṛkās, reinforcing His connection to divine feminine energies and Tantric wisdom. The Eight Mātṛkās, as powerful aspects of Śrī Lalitā, encircle Him, forming a protective and empowering force.