Sapta Matrikas are the commanders of Goddess Adi Parashakti. Generally, idols for Sapta Matrikas are found in the outer parikrama of Shiva temples in South India. They are sculptured in a single stone and are found generally in a seated row. In some temples, we come across them seated separately. It is not customary to find them in standing position. They are seated with their left leg folded and right leg hanging down. The idols may have 2 or 4 hands. When they are depicted with 2 hands, they represent Abhaya and Varada mudra. When depicted with 4 hands, the front hands have mudra whereas hind hands carry weapons. It is a belief that after visiting a main Shiva temple, it is necessary to visit the Sapta Matrikas for receiving the benefit of visiting the temple.
Manifestation: According to puran, when Lord Shiva fought with Andhakasur (darkness), from the blood of asura, a large number of asuras appeared. In order to destroy them, Lord Shiva created Shakti Yogeshwari from the fire in his mouth. In return Shakti Yogeshwari created Shakti Maheshwari. In order to assist them, Lord Brahma created his shakti Brahmi, Vishnu created his shakti Vaishnavi, Lord Indra gave his shakti Indrani, Kartikeya gave Kaumari, Lord Varah created Varahi, Lord Yama gave Shakti Chamundi. According to Markandeya purana, these shaktis were created to assist Devi in her battle with asura Shumbha and Nishumbha. We also find mention of Sapta Matrika in Matsya Puran, Devi Puran, Vishwakarma Sutra and other puran dealing with Shilpa Shastra. The Shilpa Shastra gives an account of Sapta Matrikas, their weapons, dress, alankar etc. We find that they hold the same weapons as that of their male counterparts from whom they manifested.
In Devi Purana, they are mentioned as Ashta Matrikas and Naarasimhi is considered as eighth Matrika. In Nepal, worship of Ashta Matrika is more prevalent. In Shiva Purana it is mentioned that the Sapta Matrikas approached Lord Shiva in Kailasa to absolve themselves from the sin of killing the asuras. He advised them to have a holy dip (bath) at Rishabh Tirtha in Mayiladuthurai and perform penance at the nearby Shiva temples. The places where the Sapta Matrikas performed the penance are known as Sapta Sthanam. Later on, the temples were built where Sapta Matrikas performed their penance. These temples are mentioned below, except one place where Maheshwari worshiped Lord Shiva. All these temples are located along the banks of river Kaveri very near to Mayiladuthurai.
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