Indra (alias Sakra) and Shachi Riding the Divine Elephant
Airavata, Folio from a Jain text, Panchakalyanaka (Five Auspicious Events in the Life of Jina
Rishabhanatha [Adinatha]), circa 1670-1680, Painting in
LACMA museum, originally from Amber,
Rajasthan
In Hinduism (specifically, early Vedic accounts), Shachi (also known as Indrani (queen of Indra), Aindri, Mahendri and Poulomi) is the goddess of wrath and jealousy, and a daughter of Puloman, an Asura who was killed by Indrani's future husband, Indra. She is one of the seven Matrikas (mother goddesses). She is described as beautiful and having one thousand eyes. She is associated with lions and elephants. With Indra, she is the mother of Jayanta, Midhusa, Nilambara, Rbhus, Rsabha and Sitragupta. The meaning of 'Shachi' is 'The Powerful and Helpful' also, and in Hindu epics, she is also described as 'The Endless Beauty'. The Word Sachi is different in meaning from the word Shachi. Sachi being derived from the Japanese Name meaning "Child Of Joy"
[edit] Further reading
- Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 81-208-0379-5) by David Kinsley
