The manifestation takes place in four steps: sthula (gross, matter principle), sukshma (subtle, life principle), Kārana (causal, mind principle), and mahā kārana (great causal, original rythm). These steps correspond to the four steps of jāgrat (waking state), swapna (dream state), sushupti (deep sleep state), and turiya ( transcendental state).
Tāntrics locate the four steps of sound in the nervous system: parā, pashyanti, madhyama, and vaikhari.

Parā: the first and supreme source, it is unmanifest, but turned towards manifestation (Tāra).
It is the mahā kārana seated at the mulādhāra.
Pashyanti: the word that percieves. This is the kārana, located at the manipura chakra.
Madhyama: the word in the middle subtle region between the navel and the throat (anāhata chakra).
Vaikhari: the expression of speech, Goddess MAtangi.
Mātangi is greenish dark in complexion (Syāmala). Her tender limbs have the glow of sapphire. She is known as Ucchista Chāndāli. Sage Mātanga was a Chandāla by birth. Goddess of Speech manifested as the daughter of the sage and hence Her name Chandāla Kanya.

Mati is the thinking mind and mata is thought. The unmanifest Word percieves itself for manifestation and then reaches the thinking mind for expression (MAtanga). When the word fashioned by the heart and formulated by the mind is expresed it is Mātangi. The Word of pristine purity becomes colored during expression (varana). The speech descends from the Supreme Source, bringing into expression only part of its Glory, hence the name Uchhista¹ Chāndāli.

By catching the tail-end of the Word (articulated speech), one can get to the source. The worship of Mātangi leads one to the realization of the residual above (Lalita). She is the mantrini of Lalita. She represents the power of attraction of Lalita. Her main purpose is to lead aspirants to Lalita upāsana. Mātangi is the Akarshna. Lalita uses Her mantra to attract devotees to Her.

- Amritananda