Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.154

v3.c19.154

The Varāha-purāṇa, however, states that these Mother-Goddesses are eight in number and includes among them the goddess Yōgēśvarī mentioned above, although all other purāṇas and agamas mention them to be seven. The Varāha-purāṇa further says that these Mātṛkās represent eight mental qualities which are morally bad; accordingly Yōgēśvarī represents kāma or desire; Māhēśvarī, krōdha or anger; Vaishṇavī, lōbha or covetousness; Brahmāṇī, mada or pride; Kaumārī, mōha or illusion; Indrāṇī, mātsarya or fault-finding; Yāmī or Chāmuṇḍā, paiśunya, that is, tale-bearing; and Vārāhī, asūya or envy.