Matrika Nyasa (Matrikanyasa) is a profound ritualistic practice deeply rooted in the traditions of Tantra and Agama, which are ancient Hindu spiritual texts guiding rituals and worship. In Hinduism, this ritual involves the ceremonial placement of Sanskrit alphabet letters, known as "matrikas" or "little mothers," on different parts of the body. The objective is to invoke the blessings of the Divine Mother, represented by these letters, and to purify the practitioner by dispelling sins.
The components of Matrika Nyasa include the ṛṣi (sage),
chandas (metre), devata (deity), and beeja (seed). In this practice, Brahma
serves as the sage, Gayatri as the metre, and Matrika Devi as the deity. All
letters of the Sanskrit alphabet are represented as the seed.
There are three main aspects of Matrika Nyasa:
- Anganyasa (Sadanga-Nyasa): This aspect involves the placement of letters on various parts of the body. The letters are accompanied by the addition of "anusvara," represented by the sound "m." For example, the process begins with "am kam kham gam gham nam hridayaya namah" and continues similarly.
- Antarmatrikanyasa: Here, the focus is on the six chakras, including svadhisthana, manipura, and ajna. Each chakra corresponds to specific letters, such as "bam" and "bham."
- Bahir-Matrika Nyasa: This aspect extends the placement of letters to various limbs such as the forehead, mouth, and eyes.
Additionally, there is another form of nyasa known as
Pithanyasa, where the practitioner symbolically establishes the Shakti Peethas,
sacred sites associated with the Goddess Shakti, on different parts of the
body. This ritual aims to further purify the practitioner and invoke the divine
presence.
Matrikanyasa is not only a physical act but also a deeply
spiritual practice that aligns the practitioner with the divine energies
represented by the Sanskrit letters and the cosmic forces associated with them.
Through this ritual, the practitioner seeks spiritual upliftment, purification,
and communion with the Divine Mother.