A Guide to Marici’s Forms, Symbols, and History, and Distinguishing Her from Vajravārahi.

Marici is a critical female deity in Vajrayāna Buddhism and one of the most significant and distinguished goddesses, representing the first light of dawn, or the early morning sun. Mārīcī is known by people throughout Asia, including India, Tibet, Nepal, China, and Japan. While her associations and perceptions vary significantly across regions, she consistently symbolizes light, speed, power, and protection. Her iconography can be very complex, ranging from multi-faceted, multi-armed deities associated with Tantric practices to the more refined early representations related to the Sun.

Mārīcī has been around for a long time, but some practitioners today confuse her with another important Tantric goddess, Vajravārāhī. While these two goddesses share the sow image, their origins, meanings, and appearances are unique. She is associated with a pig-drawn chariot and the Sun, and her knowledge has been passed down through the classical writings of the sādhana texts, indicating that she is an older and distinct goddess with a much more apparent identity than the other goddesses.

Who Is Marici?

Mārīcī is a Buddhist goddess representing dawn, light, and protection. The word "Mārīcī" means "ray of light" or "mirage." In the early days of Buddhism, she was understood to be the very first light to emerge before the sun rises, and nothing could ever block or obscure it. Over time, she became a critical Vajrayāna deity as people began praying to her for her powers of protection, invisibility, and problem-solving. She is said by some to emanate from Vairocana, the Buddha of universal radiance, but unlike Vajravārāhī, she does not appear as the wife of a male god; she appears independently. Mārīcī's cult was found throughout India and in parts of Nepal, Tibet, China, and Japan. In Japan, Marishiten, the goddess who protects travelers, was particularly revered.

Origin and Historical Significance of Mārīcī

Marici has ancient Indian Buddhist origins, and it was initially identified as an embodiment of solar power associated with the rays of the sun before dawn. Her work was to provide safety and security to travelers, especially at night or in unexplored lands. The development of Buddhism led to the rise of Mahayana and Vajrayana philosophies, making the role and knowledge of her even more critical. 

By the time her character was fully developed, she was not only worshipped as a symbol of beautiful dawn light but also as a powerful tool that could drive out darkness, illusion, and bad fortune. Writings like the Sadhanamala included different images of her with multiple faces, hands, and signs. Moreover, it was suggested that Marici was an incarnation of Vairocana, the ultimate cosmic Buddha representing the all-enveloping light, thereby elevating her in the Buddhist cosmological system.

As Buddhism spread across Asia, she was worshipped more, especially in Nepal and Tibet, where she became popular among travelers, meditators, royalty, and eventually warriors who invoked her name in their support. In East Asian cultures, Marici was reinterpreted as Marishiten in Japan, recognized as the protector of the Samurai, and as a guardian of invisibility and speed in China. Despite these diverse cultural adaptations, Mārīcī consistently retained her essence as the radiant light that pierces through dawn, symbolizing truth, protection, and guidance, leading individuals from their darkest moments into full enlightenment.

Iconography of Marici

Mārīcī's physical forms are filled with symbolism and represent various aspects of her powers as the Goddess of Dawn; the different parts of her body also symbolize her abilities to help rid the world of darkness, penetrate illusions, and protect practitioners of her practice. The following list comprises many of the central symbolic elements used to define Mārīcī in Buddhist art and its practical applications.

1. Multiple Faces

Mārīcī is depicted with one, three, five, or six faces, each representing a different aspect of strength. Her middle face represents her as calm at dawn. The other faces may show feelings like anger or pride, as well as her ability to see what's coming from all sides and fight ignorance in its most hidden forms. The pig's faces also link Mārīcī's followers to the practice of developing wisdom from delusion.

2. Multiple Arms

Mārīcī is depicted with anywhere from two to twelve arms. Mārīcī uses her multi-arm strength to provide light, protect from harm, demonstrate courage, and cut through obstacles. Mārīcī has never been depicted with four arms, which distinguishes her from Vajravārāhī. Mārīcī's tools will vary based on her location and needs, but they all show her to be quick and dynamic in power.

3. Threads and needles

Needle and thread are two highlights of the deity's motif. The folklore regarding Nodoya states, "She uses needle and thread to sew shut the eyes and mouths of evil beings, halting their actions before they can inflict harm and spread falsity," similar to the dawn bringing forth light before the night can act. Needle and thread set her apart from other protectress deities, allowing her to circumvent danger through her deliberate and purposeful craft.

4. Attributes

The Holiness of Tools says that the deity also carries the Aśoka branch, bow and arrow, vajra, noose, skull bowl, goad, trident, or spear. Each item symbolizes a different way of carrying out her enlightenment actions. The Aśoka Branch removes grief and brings in the Light; the bow and arrow represent her intelligence and ability to reach to the root of the issue. The Vajra represents the deity's clarity, and the Noose and Goad represent her ability to bind evil forces and guide individuals toward enlightenment.

5. Pig-Drawn Chariot

A particularly memorable image of Mārīcī riding a chariot pulled by seven pigs is associated with the procession of the seven rays of the coming sun. It symbolizes the journey from ignorance to enlightenment. The chariot is set on the demon Rahu, who represents the dark and the unknown, and it shows how Mārīcī has conquered the evils of eclipses and darkness. This tableau depicts the dynamic motion of cosmic forces in the light of dawn.

6. Solar Chariot Connection

The vision of Marici's chariot resembles the solar chariot of seven horses, which depicts the sun's path across the sky. This similarity suggests that the sun was regarded as a nature goddess in early Indian mythology. Āruṇa's insights about the sun's arrival imply that Mārīcī embodies the sun's early light, which is subtle and unavoidable. Thus, Mārīcī is identified as the Goddess of Dawn, safeguarding humanity from the darkness of lack of visible light.

Symbolism Summary

This Symbolism Summary provides readers with an overview of the most common elements of Mārīcī symbolism found in Buddhist art.

Forms of Marici

Aśokakāntā Mārīcī

Aśokakāntā Mārīcī is a gentle version of Mārīcī, with one face and two arms, emitting a warm yellow light. The branch of the Aśoka tree represents the transition from sadness to light. This portrayal of Mārīcī emphasizes her nurturing, peaceful nature as a source of hope and calm for those needing guidance early in the morning. Before she becomes a more complex figure, Aśokakāntā explains Mārīcī's nurturing and loving characteristics.

Iconography

• Vahana- Pig
• Color- Yellow
• Mudra- Varada
• Asana(Posture)- Standing

Ārya Mārīcī

Ārya Mārīcī represents her noble and core qualities, which represent all the enlightened virtues of Mārīcī. Devotees call on this form of Mārīcī for protection, clarity, and the resolution of all kinds of problems. Devotees visualize Ārya Mārīcī as brilliant and peaceful. She embodies the first rays of light that precede the sunrise. This type of light is the basis of her relationship with Vairocana, who is perceived as a reflection of her brilliance. This Mārīcī form shows that she protects travelers, practitioners, and anyone who needs to escape nighttime dangers.

Iconography

• Mudra- Varada
• Symbols- Needle and the String

Mārīcipicuva

Mārīcīpicuvā is the goddess described in Sādhanamālā. She embodies the idea of Mārīci, with three heads representing the emotions of calmness, fierceness, and joy, indicating that her behavior varies according to what her devotees need. Her eight arms represent her ability to act quickly and in multiple directions, accomplishing tasks faster than someone with just two.

Iconography

• Faces- Three
• Arms- Eight

Ubhayavarāhānana Mārīcī

Ubhayavarāhānana Mārīcī is another of Mārīci's powerful and distinctive forms. Her image is characterized by three heads, two of which resemble pigs, representing her cunningness and ability to mislead and cheat others. She also possesses twelve strong arms and four legs, as well as an armored appearance and commanding stature. Ubhayavarāhānana Mārīcī is intimately connected with the pig helpers surrounding her, illustrating that this goddess can destroy evildoers and illuminate the darkest regions of the night, just as dawn illuminates the world.

Iconography

• Distinctive mark- two sow-faces
• Faces- Three
• Arms- Twelve
• Asana(Posture)- Alinda

Marici Dasabhujasita

(Photo from The Indian Buddhist Iconography) 

The Dasabhujasita Marici is one of the most elaborate forms of Marici depicted in the texts, with many variations of each of the five faces, or "buddhas." The most notable features include ten arms and sometimes four legs. The central, middle face represents pure clarity and wisdom, while the other four faces express different emotions. The ten arms of this form hold many different Tantric tools, and each tool allows for some level of enlightenment to be attained simultaneously through its use. This form embodies the intricate nature of Marici. As a deity, Marici Daśabhujasita has a calming light and overwhelming protective abilities.

Iconography

• Faces- Five
• Arms- Ten
• Color- White
• Legs- Four

Vajradhatvisvari Marici

Vajradhatvisvari Marici is the Adi-Vishnu, or primordial form, of Marici, associated with the Vajradhatu Realm, which signifies the absolute nature of the primary light as completely beyond grasp. This form of Marici is a physical manifestation of the purest indestructible illumination; the enlightened essence of Marici's dawn light has been joined with the supreme wisdom of the Vajra Realm. Thus, this not only represents a source of protection but also a completely enlightened aspect of a cosmic goddess who embodies the base nature of the bright reality we experience. On the Tantric path, this form of Marici is a cosmic force and a personal spiritual guide.

Iconography

Appearance- Terrible
Faces- Six
Arms- Twelve
Asana(Posture)- Alinda

Attendees of Marici

1. Varttālī

Varttālī is one of Mārīcī’s primary attendants; although she's fiercely protective of her mistress, Varttālī reflects a more violent aspect of Mārīcī’s tremendous power. Her violent nature helps to block out anything that would harm before it arrives; thus, her position next to Mārīcī signifies Varttālī’s readiness to fight any evil that may present itself to Mārīcī at any moment.

2. Vadālī 

Vadālī is usually depicted with yellow- or golden-hued skin, radiating a gentler, softer, yet equally potent protection. Though Vadālī appears similar to Varttālī, it embodies an uplifting, expansive quality that dispels obscurity. Vadālī assists in identifying potential threats and directs Mārīcī’s all-knowing characteristics and insights. Vadālī’s golden color reminds one of the first rays of sunlight and the heightened awareness created afterwards.

3. Varāli

Varāli is visually very similar to the other attendants, but she is recognized for the unique tools she uses, which usually reflect and augment the weapons Mārīcī uses. Through these objects, Varāli represents the various ways obstacles can be overcome: by controlling, using wisdom, being compassionate, and using force strategically. Varāli is the final piece in the equal and opposite relationship of Mārīcī’s 'protectors.'

4. Varāhamukhī

Varāhamukhī is the angriest of the attendants, depicted as a red figure with a pig's face, and is generally shown holding a Vajra and an Aśoka branch. Her form represents the destruction of ignorance, while her tools symbolize the ability to create clear thinking and remove suffering. Varāhamukhī protects Mārīcī from all forms of ignorance and ensures that Mārīcī's wisdom is provided to all areas of the universe. She is the embodiment of anger transformed into enlightenment.

Why Mārīcī Is Often Mistaken for Vajravārāhī

Vajrayana Buddhism includes two major female divinities, Mārīcī and Vajravārāhī. Many people confuse the two because of specific characteristics that they share, such as having a boar's head. The two goddesses are alike in some ways, but their lineages, symbols, and functions differ. 

While Vajravārāhī is connected to Heruka, the God of the Highest yogas, and represents ecstatic transformation and the severing of ignorance through wisdom, Mārīcī, a manifestation of Vairocana, represents dawn and sunlight. Vajravārāhī is depicted as having either two or four arms, demonstrating her connection to the highest yogas, while Mārīcī is depicted either with two or many arms but never more than three. Mārīcī's iconography emphasizes her mastery of illusions and, thereby, of darkness, especially with respect to the demon Rāhu, and, as such, represents the power of protection. In contrast, both goddesses may appear fierce and are both associated with the practice of Tantric Buddhism. Still, their respective identities and functions within Tantric Buddhism are significantly different, and by better understanding these differences, we can better understand the unique contributions of Mārīcī and Vajravārāhī to the spiritual ecology.

Mārīcī vs. Vajravārāhī: Key Differences at a Glance

Mārīcī in Regional Traditions

• Tibetan Tradition: Mārīcī is a very fast protector, typically depicted riding in a seven-pig chariot to protect travelers from harm and provide them with a safe place to hide.
• Chinese Tradition: As Mārīcī in Chinese lore, she is a goddess of brightness and invisibility. Armies and frequent travelers mainly worship her.
• Japanese Tradition: Marishiten is a Japanese cultural figure who serves as the samurai's divine protector. It gifts the samurai with perception, courage, and stealth.
• Newar Tradition: In accordance with Newar Buddhadharma, Mārīcī appears to the audience as a luminous goddess and rides a seven-pig chariot in many paintings, or paubha art; Mārīcī offers protection, riches, and perception.
  

Conclusion

The goddess Mārīcī is one of the most beautiful and complicated goddesses in the Buddhist pantheon. She represents the dawn of awakening and dispels fear, ignorance, and suffering. The goddess is a harmonious sun goddess and a vicious, multi-armed guardian, and this contradiction demonstrates that light dominates darkness, visible or not. In her numerous forms and appearances across Asia, Mārīcī has given her followers the means of light, protection, rapidity, and wisdom through her mantras and symbolic utterances. Moreover, given Mārīcī's unique identity, though similar to the rest of the Tantric goddesses, it underscores the importance of the latter as the guiding light, helping beings leave the state of oblivion and enter that of enlightenment.

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