Day 5 of Navratri: Skandamata

The fifth day of navratri glorifies the Skandamata form of Maa Parvati. In this form, she is depicted as the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), thus the name Skandamata.

Iconography of Skandamata

Skandamata has a brightening face and rides on a lion. Often, she is also shown as sitting on a lotus flower, so she is also known as Padmasani. She has four arms but holds no weapon. This is because she is very affectionate in this form and always shows her motherly love towards her son. Two of her hands hold lotus flowers, one hand carries the infant Skanda, and the fourth hand is in the abhaya mudra (blessing fearlessness to her devotees). Skandamata is nurturing in nature yet protective of her devotees.

Story of Skandamata

The devatas were terrorised by the havoc caused due to the demon named, Tarakasur. The demon had performed penance to please Lord Brahma for several years, and was blessed with the boon that no one could kill him except the son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. Kartikeya or Skanda was born as the son of Shiva and Parvati. He was made the commander of the devatas. Maa Parvati then took the form of Skandamata and trained her son, Skanda for the battle against Tarakasur. Under the guidance of her mother, Skanda went on to become the finest of all warriors. He is thus also called as the god of war. He killed Tarakasur and rescued the devatas in the heaven. Skandamata is the proud mother of her warrior son, Skanda.

Significance of Worshipping Skandamata

Those who worship Skandamata, they are benefited by the blessings of both Mata as well as Skanda. She rules Buddha (planet mercury) that represents mind and intellect. Thus, her devotees are blessed with wisdom and knowledge. The lotus flowers she holds is the symbolic meaning of awakening and enlightenment. She also rules the Vishuddha (throat) chakra which is responsible for communication, self-expression, and self-actualisation. As Skandamata guided her son to reach his full potential, similarly she makes her devotees to understand and reach their highest inner self. She grants power and prosperity to people who are selflessly devoted and helps fulfill all their desires. Skandamata is thus very loving and always supports and guides her children in their journey.