South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses c10.s2.28

c10.s2.28

The Saptamātṛkās thus described are generally found figured together in a group on the same panel and are quite a common sight in South-Indian villages and Siva temples. When installed within the enclosure of a temple, they are seen often without a shrine built over them, and they may receive such attention as the other minor deities of that temple. In villages and in Pidāri temples built exclusively for goddesses, they are worshipped regularly. The Selliyamma temple at Ālambākkam in the Tanjore district possesses an important shrine for the Saptamātṛkās. The order in which the Saptamātṛkā images are cut on the stone differs according to circumstances. For the destruction of enemies and safety to villages Brāhmī or Brahmānī must be made to occupy the centre. If Chāmuṇḍā be placed there instead, the village will grow in population.