The image, history, and symbolic identity of Mariamman rests with the pre-Vedic tribalism that defined early Dravidian traditions. In this regard, Mariamman (or Marika, as she is known in the Puranas) is a ‘gramadevata,’ a village deity that creates and protects the village and its people. She is the bringer of rain, and the dispelling force removing diseases from the community (one of her legends dictate her overcoming smallpox with the help of ‘neem’ leaves, and today as a goddess of medicine people worship her mythology by putting such leaves above the doors of their houses). Mariamman is the primordial mother goddess, goddess of fertility, and one of the earliest embodiments of Shakti. She rides her mount, a lion, in a fiery blaze (notice the stylisation of her ‘mukuta’) and carries the ‘damru,’ the ‘pasha’ or noose, a trident or ‘trishula,’ and a cup for alms. Mariamman therefore is benign and benevolent while also fierce and devotedly protective. Mariamman also has a North Indian equivalent in Hinduism, Mahamaya, who is the sister of Sriranganathar. This ‘panchaloha’ bronze image presents the ancient tribal protector of the natural world in the heroic ‘virasana’ posture over a raised pedestal which symbolises her mount.
Witness another beautiful form of this goddess – splendidly created with an elaborate ‘prabhamandala,’ here.
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