Mataji

Mataji (Hindi माताजी mātājī) is a Hindi term meaning 'respected mother'.

Etymology

"Mātā" (माता) is the Hindi word for "mother", from Sanskrit matr. (मातृ), and the "-jī" (जी) suffix is an honorific suffix used to indicate respect.

Use

"Mataji" is a respectful term used to address an older woman in Indian culture, particularly if she is unknown to the speaker. Another term that is sometimes used is the anglicized "auntie".

"Mataji" is also used by ISKCON devotees as a title. Female devotees are referred to as "(name) Mataji", for example, "Rukmini Mataji". Female devotees who have not been initiated append it to their given name. The term is also used as a form of address, particularly to a female devotee whom the speaker does not know. Men are encouraged to call all devotee women "Mataji" because according to Vedic culture, all women who are not one's wife are to be treated as one's mother.