TANTRIC HIEROGLYPHICS - III

by

The Late Dr. S. SRIKANTA SASTRI, M.A., D.Litt.

1. MATRKAS

      Matrka is a fundamental conception of profound significance in Indian culture implying the basic matrix, the Mother, metre and measure. It represents the Sri bija. Ma stands for measure or limit, tr means to cross and ka to shine, according to Varivasya-Rahasya. One who knows the secret of the Aksara crosses over the sea of Samsara and shines in heaven. Sri Mata is Maya who limits or binds and also releases and illuminates. According to the Padma Purana, Mata is the presiding goddess of Kayavarohana Ksetra where Siva entered a dead body and manifested himself as Lakulesvara and taught the Pasupata system. Esoterically it means a rejuvenation of the dormant self and a transcending of the physical world. As Šankara says, Šiva without Šakti is quiescent like a šava or dead body and only when united with Sakti of the Ksetra (body), he is capable of spandana or vibration starting the process of creation. Hence Sound or vibration is at the root of both obscuration as well as evolution (ãvarana and viksepa). In the Šaiva philosophy, the tattvas and bhuvanas of Sadhadvas are arranged under three broad headings – Šuddha, Šuddhãšuddha and Ašuddha or Šiva, Vidyã and Ãtma tattvas.