The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the goddess of motherhood. Her name is made of two words, ‘Skanda’ meaning Kartikeya (the son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati) and ‘mata’ meaning mother. Hence, in this form, she is regarded as the mother of Skanda or Kartikeya.
In today’s blog, we will learn and understand more about the goddess Skandamata including her iconography, significance, and symbolism in Hindu mythology.
The iconography of Goddess Skandamata
Maa Skandamata is usually depicted with four arms, wherein two of them hold lotus flowers. From one of her other two hands, she carries her infant son Skanda on her lap while the last one is positioned in the Abahayamudra. She has a light, warm complexion and is often seen riding a lion which signifies her nurturing yet powerful nature.
Symbolism Behind Maa Skandamata
After Lord Shiva accepted Maa Parvati (after her strong penance as Brahmacharini), it was time to put an end to the demon Tarkasura who had received a boon that he could only be killed by the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
With the divine union of Shiva and Parvati, Lord Kartikeya was born. He was a born warrior, carrying a spear and riding an Indian peafowl, known as Paravani. While he is mostly depicted with one head, some icons represent him with six heads reflecting on yet another legend surrounding Kartikeya’s birth. As per the Skanda Purana, six separate baby boys were born from the six divine sparks of Lord Shiva. These boys were raised by handmaidens which were known as Krittikas. However, later Goddess Parvati fused all the six boys together, creating the six-headed Kartikeya.
Also Read : Goddess Kushmanda : The Creator of Light and Life on Earth
Significance of Maa Skandamata in Hindu Mythology
Worshiping Skandamata with utmost faith and devotion is said to bring power and prosperity in one’s life. She fulfills all the desires and wishes of her devotees and grants them with the priceless treasures of life.
And when you worship Maa Skandamata, you are also worshiping Lord Kartikeya, the god of courage and power, sitting on the lap of the goddess. Therefore, your blessings are doubled with the favor of both Maa Skandamata and Lord Kartikeya.
Maa Skandamata Mantras
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नम:
Oṃ Devī Skandamātāyai Namaḥ
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya।
Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
How to Worship Maa Skandamata : Pujan Vidhi and Rituals
Here are a few steps and rituals that you can perform while worshiping Goddess Skandamata :
- Wake up early in the morning, clean, and purify your space for worshiping Skandamata.
- Next, take a bath and wear clean clothes, preferably something in white as it is the color associated with Maa Skandamata.
- Hereafter, sit near your pooja altar. Light up a diya (earthen lamp), and some incense sticks to start with.
- Next offer flowers, kumkum (vermillion), fruits, or any homemade prasad/sweets to the deity.
- After this, recite durga chalisa and chant Maa Skandamata mantras for at least 51 to 108 times.
- Conclude the puja ceremony by performing the aarti and seek the blessings of Goddess Skandamata for a healthy and prosperous life.
Also Read : The Legend of Goddess Chandraghanta and her Role in Navratri
Conclusion
Goddess Skandamata symbolizes brilliance, power, and prosperity. One can attain the blessings of Skandamata by completely surrendering themselves to her and worshiping with all their heart. So, this Navratri seeks the blessings of goddess Skandamata for a prosperous and happy life.
