Vasant Navratri Day 5: Revere Maa Skandamata

The fifth day of Vasant or Chaitra Navratri is associated with worshipping Maa Skandamata.

Who is Maa Skandamata?

Skandamata is the motherly form of Goddess Parvati. After Goddess Parvati became the mother of Lord Skanda, She came to be known as Skandamata. Skandamata means 'Mother of Skanda'. Lord Skanda is the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. He is also the brother of Lord Ganesha.

Goddess Sati self immolated Herself at the 'Yagya' (a vedic ritual) organized by Her father- Daksha Prajapati, after he insulted Her husband- Lord Shiva. Soon a demon named Tarakasura, did a penance to please Lord Brahma and when the Lord Brahma appeared, Tarakasura asked for a boon which would let him die only at the hands of Lord Shiva's son.

Lord Brahma granted that boon to Tarakasura and the demon started wreaking havoc in all the worlds as he knew that in the absence of Goddess Sati there would not be a son of Lord Shiva, hence he cannot die. But since Goddess Sati was the incarnation of 'Adi Shakti' (Primordial form of the Supreme Goddess), She reincarnated in the form of Goddess Parvati and married Lord Shiva.

At the request of other Gods, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati combined their energies and created an intensely powerful seed of energy and got it placed in a lake from which a boy with six faces was born. Six Krittikas (mothers) raised that boy and hence he was called Kartikeya.

Book 9 Day Durga Saptashati Path with Hawan

After some time, Goddess Parvati came to take Her son back with Her and named him as Skanda and took on a uniques form which is known as Skandamata. Lord Skanda or Kartikeya grew up and killed Tarakasura. Lord Skanda later became the Chief Commander of the army of Gods and also got the name 'Kumara'.

Depiction of Maa Skandamata

Maa Skandamata is depicted as seated on a Lion and Lord Skanda in His child form is shown seated in the lap of Maa Skandamata. She has a 'Shubra Varna' (fair complexion). The Goddess has four hands and holds 'Kamal Pushpa' (Lotus flowers) in Her upper two hands.

She holds child Skanda in Her other left hand and has the other right hand in 'Abhay Mudra' (A hand position that shows Her giving the boon of fearlessness to devotees). Maa Skandamata governs planet Mercury.

Significance of Maa Skandamata Worship

One who worships Maa Skandamata, pleases both Her as well as Lord Kartikeya (Skanda). The Goddess blesses Her devotees with peace of mind and nurtures them just like a mother nurtures her children. Maa Skandamata bestows abundance in the life of Her devotees by blessing them with wealth and prosperity.

All ailments and discomforts are removed from the life of a devotee by the grace of Maa Skandamata. She also protects Her devotees from all enemies and malefic influences. She ensures that Her devotees emerge successful in all endeavours of their lives.

Additionally, you can also bring the 'Sampurna Dashmahavidya Mahayantra' in your home or office to get the divine blessings of all 10 forms of the supreme knowledge that Goddess Parvati represents which are known as Dashmahavidya.

This incredibly powerful yantra attracts, stores and emanates highly positive & auspicious energies that bring joy, success & prosperity in life!