Ajima
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ajima (Nepal Bhasa:अजिमा) is a group of goddesses of the Newar pantheon. These goddesses are respected by all sects and castes of Newars, both from Hindu and Buddhist religion. If we look Ajimas from sky, they look like a sword. So, it is said that the Ajimas protect Kathmandu Valley.
The word "Ajima" comes from two Nepal Bhasa words, "Aji" meaning grandmother and "Ma" meaning mother. This deity represents all the female ancestors of Newar who have been deified under the influence of the Shaktism branch of Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism.[citation needed]
History
Newar society was a matriarchial society initially.[1] During that era, Ajimas were the most respected deities. Even after the addition of other indigenous deities e.g.-Majipa Lakhey, Lokeshwars (e.g.-Janabahadya), Kumari and other deities of Hindu and Buddhist religions, the deity is still considered of primary importance by Newars.
