Overview
Matangi (Sanskrit: मातङ्गी, IAST: Mātaṅgī) is a Hindu goddess counted among the Mahavidyas, a group of ten Tantric goddesses regarded as aspects of the Hindu Divine Mother. Within this tradition, she is considered the Tantric form of Sarasvati, the goddess associated with music and learning.
Matangi is described as the goddess presiding over speech, music, knowledge and the arts. According to Tantric texts, her worship is prescribed by devotees seeking supernatural powers, particularly gaining control over enemies, attracting others to oneself, acquiring mastery over the arts and attaining supreme knowledge.
A distinctive feature of Matangi's iconography and lore is her association with pollution, inauspiciousness and the periphery of Hindu society. This is embodied in her most popular form, known as Uchchhishta-Chandalini or Uchchhishta-Matangini. In this form she is described as an outcaste (Chandalini) and is offered left-over or partially eaten food (Uchchhishta), or food consumed with unwashed hands, items considered impure in classical Hinduism.
Matangi is generally represented as emerald green in complexion. In her Uchchhishta-Matangini form she is depicted carrying a noose, sword, goad and club. Her other well-known form, Raja-Matangi, is shown playing the veena and is often accompanied by a parrot, reinforcing her connection with music, speech and the fine arts.