Ajima

Ajima (Nepal Bhasa:अजिमा) is a group of goddess of Newar pantheon. The Goddess represents the female ancestors of a Newar. These goddess are respected by all sects and castes of Newars irrespective of religion.

Etymology

The word "Ajima" comes from two Nepal Bhasa words, Aji meaning grand mother and Ma meaning mother. This deity represents all the female ancestors of Newar who have been deitized under the influence of Shaktism branch of Hinduism and Bajrayan Buddhism.

History

Newar society was a matriarchial society initially [Page 11, Jigu lumantie yen de mhigah wa thaun by Tirtha Narayan Manandhar, ISBN 99946-2-345-1] . During that era, Ajimas were the most respected deities. Even after the addition of other indigenous deities eg-Majipa Lakhey, Lokeshwars (eg-Janabahadya), Kumari and other deities of Hindu and Buddhist religions, the deity is still considered of primary importance by Newars.

Influence

These deities are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. She is regarded as the protector of children as well [ [http://www.jwajalapa.com/religion/pantheon.php Jwajalapa] ] . The core city of Kathmandu (which was the city built by planners of Gunakamdev, the founder of Kathmandu) [Kantipur by Basu Pasa] , has eight Ajima temples strategically situated at the peripheries of the city. These temples of Ajima used to contain army barracks (the Army Headquarter is still situated at the side of Lunmari Ajima aka Bhadrakali). So, these Ajima temples are believed to be protectors of cities as well.

The eight Ajimas or Astha Matrika (eight matriarchs) of Kathmandu are as follows [Page 11, Jigu lumantie yen de mhigah wa thaun by Tirtha Narayan Manandhar, ISBN 99946-2-345-1] -
*Pasikwa Ajima
*Lunmari Ajima
*Fibwa Ajima
*Nai Ajima
*Kanga Ajima
*Lunti Ajima
*Thanbahi Ajima
*Chandralakhu Ajima

ee also

*Newar
*Nepal Bhasa
*Kathmandu
*Kathmandu Metropolitan City

References