Matangi is one of the ten Mahavidyas or great goddesses in Hinduism. She is also known as Ucchishta Chandalini, which means the leftover or residue-eater and is associated with pollution and impurity. Matangi is often worshipped through tantric rituals, but there are also non-tantric ways to worship her. In this article, we will discuss how to worship Matangi in a non-tantric way.
Who is Matangi?
Before discussing how to worship Matangi, it’s essential to understand who she is. Matangi is an aspect of Devi or the divine mother and is associated with speech, music, and knowledge. She is depicted as having dark complexion, wearing red garments, holding a veena (a stringed musical instrument), and sitting on a throne made of corpses.
According to legend, Matangi was born to a low-caste family and was not accepted by the upper-caste society. However, she possessed immense knowledge of music, arts, and scriptures and became a guru to many. In some texts, Matangi is also associated with the goddess Saraswati, who is the patron deity of knowledge.
How to Worship Matangi in a Non-Tantric Way?
There are several ways to worship Matangi in a non-tantric way. Here are ten methods:
- Chanting her mantras: One can chant Matangi’s mantras to invoke her blessings. The most popular mantra is “Om Hreem Matangayai Namaha,” which means salutations to Matangi.
- Offering flowers: One can offer flowers to her idol or picture. Red hibiscus flowers are considered auspicious for worshipping Matangi.
- Lighting a lamp: Lighting a lamp before her picture or idol is also considered a form of worship. One can use ghee or oil to light the lamp.
- Offering food: Offering food, especially leftover food, to Matangi is considered an act of devotion. One can offer sweets, fruits, or vegetarian dishes.
- Donating to the poor: Since Matangi is associated with those who are rejected by society, donating to the poor or the downtrodden is also considered a form of worship.
- Listening to music: Matangi is associated with music and arts, and listening to classical music or devotional songs is also considered a way of worshipping her.
- Reading scriptures: Reading sacred texts such as the Devi Mahatmyam or the Lalitha Sahasranama, which describe the various forms of the goddess, is also considered a form of worship.
- Practicing ahimsa: Matangi is associated with pollution and impurity, and practicing ahimsa or non-violence towards animals and nature is considered a way of worshipping her.
- Meditating: One can meditate on Matangi’s form or mantra to connect with her energy and invoke her blessings.
- Visiting temples: There are several temples dedicated to Matangi, such as the Matangeshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh, where one can offer prayers and seek her blessings.
Conclusion
Matangi is a powerful goddess who can bestow knowledge, creativity, and abundance to her devotees. While tantric rituals are often associated with her worship, there are also non-tantric ways to connect with her energy and seek her blessings. Chanting her mantras, offering flowers, lighting a lamp, donating to the poor, and meditating are some of the ways to worship Matangi in a non-tantric way.
FAQs:
- Is it necessary to be initiated into Matangi’s mantra to chant it?
- No, anyone can chant Matangi’s mantra for spiritual or devotional purposes.
- Can I offer meat or alcohol to Matangi as an offering?
- It is not recommended to offer non-vegetarian food or alcohol to Matangi as she is associated with purity and pollution.
- Are there any specific days or times to worship Matangi?
- Matangi is usually worshipped on Tuesdays or Fridays, and during Navaratri, which is a nine-day festival in honor of the goddess.
- Is there any specific posture to meditate on Matangi?
- One can sit in a comfortable cross-legged position and visualize Matangi’s form or chant her mantra while focusing on the breath.
- Can I worship Matangi without visiting a temple?
- Yes, one can worship Matangi from anywhere by chanting her mantra, meditating, or performing any other form of non-tantric worship.
