On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Adishakti. The name Skandamata means “Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya).” Lord Kartikeya—also known as Skanda, Murugan, and Subramanya—is the god of war and victory. As his mother, the Goddess is revered as Skandamata. She blesses her devotees with courage, wisdom, and maternal love. She presides over the Vishuddha Chakra, bestowing spiritual power, clarity, and knowledge.
Form and Attributes
Maa Skandamata is depicted with four arms. She holds two lotuses in her upper hands, carries the infant Kartikeya on her lap with one hand, and shows the Abhaya Mudra with the other. Her mount is a lion, symbolizing courage, while her seat is a lotus, symbolizing purity—hence she is also called Padmasana Devi.
Her complexion glows like molten gold, and she radiates divine brilliance. She wears beautiful garments and ornaments. Baby Kartikeya in her lap holds bow and arrow, signifying his warrior nature.
Just as the sun nourishes the world with light, Skandamata infuses her devotees’ lives with energy and vitality.
Significance and Legend
According to the Puranas, when the demon Tarakasura and others terrorized the gods, Brahma declared that only Lord Shiva’s son could defeat them. Since Shiva was detached and ascetic, it was Maa Parvati who, through penance, won his heart and married him. From their union emerged a divine radiance that was carried to the Ganges, from which Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) was born. He later slew Tarakasura and restored peace.
Thus, Maa Skandamata symbolizes nurturing love, courage, and wisdom. Worshipping her grants intellect, compassion, and spiritual elevation.
Puja Rituals
- Bathe early and wear clean clothes.
- Decorate the altar with lotus flowers.
- Place a kalash filled with sacred water and establish the idol/picture of Maa Skandamata on lotus petals.
- Invoke Ganesh first, then Maa Skandamata and child Kartikeya.
- Offer sandal paste, flowers, and panchamrit.
- Special offerings: saffron milk, kheer, makhana, lotus seeds, motichoor laddus, jalebi, kesari halwa.
Mantras
Beej Mantra
- ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः
Dhyan Mantra
- सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया।
Stuti Mantra
- या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मा स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता॥
Benefits
- Awakens and purifies the Vishuddha Chakra
- Enhances eloquence and sweet speech
- Improves intellect, concentration, and learning ability
- Grants maternal blessings: children’s safety, healthy childbirth, and family harmony
- Brings success to students, teachers, writers, and those in child welfare or creative fields
- Provides relief from throat and respiratory ailments, stress, and anxiety
Conclusion
Maa Skandamata is the embodiment of motherhood, wisdom, and valor. Her worship grants not only worldly benefits but also spiritual upliftment and completeness in life.
The articles presented here on the nine forms of Navadurga during Navratri are simply a compilation of information gathered from different sources.
Religion is a matter of personal faith.
Before following any of the details mentioned here, it is advisable to consult scholars or experts with authentic knowledge of scriptures and traditions.
મા સ્કંદમાતા – કાર્તિકેય સ્વામીની જન્મદાત્રી
