The Legend of Dewi Matangi: Guardian of Balance and Harmony

The legend of the emergence of Dewi Matangi in Hindu mythology states that Dewi Matangi emerged from the remains of food (prasada) that had been offered to the gods. Once upon a time, Dewa Siwa and Dewi Parwati held a banquet of delicious food. In the banquet, fancy dishes were served, and after the banquet was over, there was food left over that was called prasada (food that had been presented to the gods). After the food is enjoyed by the gods, the prasada leftovers are considered impure for consumption by other gods, as they have become leftovers from the sacred offerings. These leftovers were traditionally considered unfit for consumption by the upper classes or people from high castes in Hindu society.

Over the years, the gods began to show signs of pride and arrogance. They considered that only the best parts of the offerings were worthy of them. The remnants of these sacred ceremonial foods that were considered blessed were left to waste and were no more respected.

Disrupted Natural Balance Leads to Suffering (Source: Personal Collection)

The balance of the universe was disturbed. The human's world and the god's world were thrown into chaos. The plants stopped growing, the animals began to suffer, and humans lost their peace. The highest gods, which included Dewa Siwa and Dewi Parwati, started looking into the reasons for this unbalanced state of affairs.

Dewi Saraswati, known as the Goddess of knowledge, understood that this was the result of a disrespect for prasada. She realized that the gods had forgotten the importance of being humble and respectful towards everything, not only towards that which seems beautiful or important, but also towards simple things, such as the leftovers.

In a meaningful action, Dewi Saraswati picked up the leftovers that had been ignored by the gods and concentrated her energy. With her own divine power, she began to form a figure out of the prasada leftovers. From the light emanating from Dewi Saraswati and the divine energy of prasada, Dewi Matangi was born. Therefore Dewi Matangi is known as the manifestation of Dewi Saraswati.

Dewi Matangi Who Emerged From Prasada and The Radiance of Dewi Saraswati (Source: Personal Collection)

Dewi Matangi appears in a charming form, with emerald green skin that radiates the aura of nature and life. However, her presence is not just for stunning, but to provide important lessons to gods and humans both. Dewi Matangi was not a goddess who emerged from absolute purity or power that was untouchable by the material world, but rather she was a goddess who was born from what was taken for granted, that is, the leftovers that had been ignored. This gives a clear indication that true knowledge does not always come from things that are grand and noble, but also from the ordinary and sincere. As the ninth Mahavidya, Dewi Matangi symbolizes the power hidden in what we consider worthless. Dewi Matangi radiates an aura that is mysterious but full of wisdom, bringing peace to those on the edge of society, those who are ignored and disrespected.

The gods, who were at first shocked by the appearance of Dewi Matangi, began to understand a profound lesson. They realized that their arrogance had brought unbalance in the universe. In the silence, they recognized the greatness of Dewi Matangi and began to worship the remnants of prasada with great respect. The world recovered its balance.

Plants regrew, animals found their food, and humans regained the peace they had lost. However, Dewi Matangi did not just stay in the realm of the gods. She chose to be present in the human world as a protector of those who lived in simplicity and helplessness. She became the goddess who sheltered the marginalized, those who were considered dirty, inferior, or unimportant by society. She is the goddess of artists, musicians, and seekers of wisdom, who find beauty in imperfection and harmony in chaos.

Life is Peaceful and Beautiful Again (Source: Personal Collection)

To this day, Dewi Matangi is revered as a symbol of the power of simplicity, and as a goddess who unites spirituality with the material world. Her presence in the Mahavidya lineup is a constant reminder that divine wisdom and power are not only found in the grandest of things, but also in apparently simple and worthless things-like the remnants of the prasada that gave rise to the great goddess figure, Dewi Matangi.