Matangi

This is a sculpture of Matangi, one of the mahavidyas of hinduism. She represents inner thought, and she makes sacred what is profane. It is customary to offer leftover food to her because of this. The story is that Parvati went to visit her father and Shiva worried about her. He disguised himself as an ornament vendor and went to see her. Parvati asked how much an ornament was and he asked her to sleep with him as payment. She was enraged at first, but then realized it was in fact Shiva. So, as a trick, she told him she would later. Shiva returned home to meditate when a Chandala girl (Peasant/ member of the lower castes) came by, claiming she was doing penance. Shiva told her "I am the one who gives fruits to those who pray." They began to make love, and the girl turned Shiva into a chandala as well, revealing that she was in fact, his wife. She said "I am Ucchista-Matangini, she who makes the unholy holy. This form shall be a permanent form." Thus, Matangi was born. I don't know why but I love this story, how Shiva is so human in his jealousy, and Parvati is such a wise and crafty woman.