Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. She is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). Skandamata is the symbol of maternal love, power, and protection, and her blessings bring wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
This article explores her significance, form, and the rituals associated with her worship during Navratri.
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Significance of Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandmaata represents the nurturing aspect of motherhood and divine love. Her name signifies that she is the mother of Skanda, who is also known as Kartikeya, the god of war. Worshipping Skandmaata is believed to grant wisdom, power, and success, especially for those facing challenges in their careers or personal lives.
Maa Skandmaata also signifies the victory of good over evil, as she helped her son Lord Skanda in defeating the demons who were causing havoc in the world.
Form and Iconography of Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandmaata is depicted with four arms. She holds her son, Lord Skanda, in her lap while sitting on a lotus, symbolizing purity and spirituality. Her two upper arms hold lotuses, and one hand is in Abhaya Mudra, a gesture of blessing and protection.
She is also known as “Padmasana,” or the goddess who sits on a lotus, and her radiance is as bright as the sun.
Her mount is a lion, symbolizing courage and fearlessness. Devotees believe that by worshipping her, they can attain peace, prosperity, and freedom from fear.
Who is Skandamata Devi
Maa Skandmata’s story is rooted in the legend of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya. He was born to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva to defeat the demon Tarakasura, who could only be killed by Shiva’s offspring.
Parvati, in her motherly form as Skandmaata, nurtured and protected Skanda until he grew into a powerful warrior capable of leading the gods’ army against the demons.
This form of Goddess Parvati highlights her nurturing side, emphasizing the importance of maternal care and guidance in overcoming obstacles and achieving victory.
Benefits of Worshipping Maa Skandamata
Devotees worship Maa Skandmaata to seek her divine blessings for:
- Wisdom and Knowledge:
Maa Skandmaata blesses her devotees with knowledge, wisdom, and clarity of thought, which are essential for success in life. - Prosperity and Wealth:
She is known to bring prosperity and good fortune to her devotees, helping them overcome financial difficulties. - Spiritual Growth:
Maa Skandmaata guides her devotees on the path of spirituality, helping them attain peace of mind and a deeper connection with the divine. - Motherly Protection:
She offers protection to her devotees, just as she protected her son Lord Skanda from harm. She is considered a motherly figure who cares for her children and removes their fears. - Victory over Obstacles:
Her blessings help devotees triumph over challenges, both in personal and professional life.
How to Worship Skandamata
Worshipping Maa Skandmaata on the fifth day of Navratri holds immense significance. Here’s a brief guide to performing her puja:
- Clean the Puja Area:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the space where you plan to perform the puja. Purify the area by sprinkling Ganga water and setting up the idol or picture of Maa Skandmaata. - Light a Diya and Offer Flowers:
Light a diya (lamp) and offer fresh flowers to the goddess. Yellow flowers are particularly significant as they symbolize joy and happiness and are preferred by Maa Skandmaata. - Chant Mantras:
Recite the following mantra to invoke the blessings of Maa Skandmaata:
“सिंहासनगता नित्यम् पद्माश्रितकरद्वया |
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी ॥”
This mantra praises Maa Skandmaata and seeks her blessings for protection, success, and well-being. - Offer Prasad:
Offer fruits, sweets, and other prasads like kheer or halwa to Maa Skandmaata. It is believed that she favors simple and pure offerings made with devotion. - Perform Aarti:
After completing the puja, perform the aarti of Maa Skandmata with a pure heart and devotion. Sing the aarti to express your gratitude and seek her divine blessings. - Distribute Prasad:
Distribute the prasad among family members and others after completing the puja.
Significance of Yellow Color on Skandamata Puja
On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees are encouraged to wear yellow-colored clothes, as yellow is associated with happiness, positivity, and purity. Yellow is also the color of wisdom, which Maa Skandmata bestows upon her devotees. By adorning this color, one invokes the goddess’s grace more effectively.
Maa Skandmata is the embodiment of maternal love, wisdom, and courage. Worshipping her during Navratri helps devotees overcome obstacles, gain wisdom, and attain spiritual growth. Her blessings ensure a life of prosperity, peace, and protection.