A Note on the Matṛkā Figures from the EME Dakṣiṇa‑mārti Temple
By Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari, Kamal Giri
Summary
This art‑historical essay focuses on a set of Matṛkā (mother goddess) sculptures from the east‑facing southern shrine (Dakṣiṇa‑mārti) of an early medieval temple. The author provides detailed descriptions of each figure’s attributes, posture and iconography. The Matṛkās are usually depicted as a group of seven or eight goddesses representing various powers; the article discusses how their arrangement in the temple conveys protective symbolism. Attention is paid to stylistic features such as elaborate coiffures, jewellery and drapery, which help date the sculptures. The paper compares these figures with other examples from central India and notes regional variations. It also considers the religious significance of installing Matṛkās in the temple’s subsidiary shrine, linking them to the cult of the goddess and to tantric ritual. By situating the figures within their architectural context, the essay enhances our understanding of early medieval sculptural programmes.
Conclusion
By analysing the iconography and style of the Matṛkā sculptures, the author demonstrates how regional workshops adapted pan‑Indian goddess motifs. The study underscores the role of subsidiary shrines in temple complexes and enriches our appreciation of early medieval art.