Shakti, the creative and energetic force of the Divine, is described in Hindu scriptures as being a motherly Goddess, whose loving, compassionate, nurturing, and sometimes fiercely protective qualities are integral to both the material and spiritual growth of every being. As such, the Vedas honors the feminine aspect of Divinity by recognizing seven types of mothers who exist in the world, and the vital role they play in our lives.
1) Audau Mata (the biological mother)
As the energetic force of the Divine creates, maintains, and transforms the cosmic manifestation, the biological mother creates, maintains, and does her best to transform us into the best versions of ourselves.
2) Guru Patni (the wife of one’s guru)
As per the Vedic tradition, children at the age of five would customarily be sent to a gurukul (education system of ancient India), where they would receive their worldly, and more importantly, spiritual education. Because this system often involved the students actually living in the home of the guru, who would provide the discipline and structure required for learning, the wife of the guru would become like a mother figure for the students, bestowing upon them the warmth and affection needed for developing children living away from parents.
3) Brahmani (the wife of the sage)
In Vedic civilization, sages, or advanced spiritual practitioners, were the philosophical and moral leaders of society, acting as a spiritual compass for kings who were responsible not just for the citizens’ material well-being, but their spiritual well-being as well.
4) Raj Patnika (the queen)
Responsible for cultivating a societal atmosphere conducive for the people’s material and spiritual prosperity, an ideal ruler in Vedic India was respected as more than just a king, but as a father to the citizen’s as well. Subsequently, the queen was viewed as a respected mother, who viewed the residents of the kingdom as her own children, inspiring and helping the king to implement policies favorable for the ultimate welfare of all.
5) Dhenu (the cow)
Primarily centered around agrarian economies built on the harmonious relationship of man and cow, communities of ancient India viewed the animal with the utmost love and respect.
6) Dhatri (the caregiver)
It goes without saying that those who help to take care of you when you’re vulnerable or sick, be they a physician, nurse, daughter, son, sister, nephew, niece, etc., should be shown deep gratitude. Whether a man or woman, the energetically feminine role of caring for people in their time of need — even when those people are grumpy, short-tempered, or lacking appreciation — can be tapped into and expressed by anyone, as the feminine aspect of the Divine is within us all. Such motherly energy, which takes great strength and sacrifice from a person to display, should therefore never be taken for granted, and always be held in high regard.
7) Prithvi (the earth)
Like a staunch and magnanimous mother who generously gives her children all they need for their sustenance, the earth produces all of life’s necessities, requiring nothing in return. Unfortunately, rather than respecting and treating the planet with the great love and gratitude any good mother deserves, much of society mindlessly exploits her resources without any mind of moderation.
Read More at https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/the-seven-mothers-of-hinduism
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