In
Yoruba mythology,
Yemaja is a mother goddess, patron deity of women, especially pregnant women, and the
Ogun river[?] (the
water]s of which are said to cure infertility). Her parents are
Odudua and
Obatala. She had one son,
Orungan[?], who raped her successfully one time and attempted a second time; she exploded instead, and fifteen
Orishas came forth from her. They include
Ogun,
Olukum[?],
Shakpana and
Shango.
Yemaja is also venerated in Vodun. Among the Umbandists[?], Yemaja is a goddess of the ocean and patron deity of the survivors of shipwrecks. In Santeria, Yemaja (also called Yemaya) is the equivalent of Our Lady of Regla[?].
Alternative: Yemanja, Yemayah