Goddess Skandamata – The Mother of Skanda and Queen of Compassion
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On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Skandamata, the fifth form of the Navadurga. She is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya or Murugan), the god of war, and is revered as the divine embodiment of motherhood, power, and wisdom. The name "Skandamata" literally means “Mother of Skanda”, but beyond her maternal form, she represents the fusion of strength and nurturing love, making her a deeply revered deity across India.
Mythological Origin and Story
Skandamata’s origin is rooted in the legend of Parvati’s motherhood. When the gods were tormented by the demon Tarakasura, they learned that only Shiva’s son could slay him. Thus, Parvati and Shiva’s union resulted in the birth of Kartikeya (Skanda). As his mother, Parvati took on the form of Skandamata, nurturing and raising the war god with devotion and wisdom.
In this maternal form, she holds her infant Skanda in her lap and simultaneously rides a ferocious lion—symbolizing that motherhood is not weakness, but a supreme strength that protects, nourishes, and empowers. She also governs the Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra), which represents communication, wisdom, and truthfulness.
Iconography and Symbolism
Goddess Skandamata is depicted as a radiant four-armed goddess, seated on a lion, symbolizing fearlessness and dharma. In two of her hands, she holds lotus flowers, symbolizing spiritual purity and blossoming wisdom. One hand holds Skanda (Kartikeya) as a six-faced child, and another is in Abhaya Mudra, blessing devotees with protection and grace.
She is usually adorned in white or light yellow, signifying serenity, compassion, and spiritual elevation. Her dual role as a mother and a warrior resonates deeply with devotees who seek both maternal comfort and divine intervention.
When and Why to Worship Skandamata
Skandamata is venerated on the Panchami Tithi (5th day) of Navratri, during Navratri.
Benefits of Her Worship:
Enhances mental clarity and intuition. Brings protection, prosperity, and family harmony. Strengthens mother-child relationships. Opens the Vishuddha Chakra, aiding communication and truthfulness. Ideal for students, teachers, mothers, and spiritual seekers
How to Worship Skandamata – Puja Vidhi
Clean the altar, wear white or yellow clothes, and place her image or idol. Offer white lotus flowers, fruits (especially bananas and oranges), and milk-based sweets. Light a diya with ghee and incense sticks. Chant mantras and Skanda stotra while visualizing her seated with Kartikeya. Offer naivedya and perform aarti with devotion.
Auspicious Offerings:
Color: Yellow or White
Flower: White lotus (पद्म), Champa
Naivedya: Bananas, milk, coconut, jaggery
Direction: Face East while praying
Mantras of Goddess Skandamata
Dhyana Mantra (ध्यान मंत्र)
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
Siṁhāsanagatā nityaṁ padmāśritakaradvayā।
Śubhadāstu sadā devī Skandamātā yaśasvinī॥
Meaning: “Seated on a lion, holding lotuses in her hands, may the ever-auspicious and glorious Goddess Skandamata bless us always.”
Beej Mantra (बीज मंत्र)
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
Om Devī Skandamātāyai Namaḥ.
Use: Enhances maternal protection, devotion, and mental clarity. Suitable for daily chanting.
Navadurga Stotra Mantra
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Yā Devī Sarvabhūteṣu Skandamātā rūpeṇa saṁsthitā,
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namaḥ.
Purpose: A respectful invocation to the divine mother who dwells in all beings as Skandamata.
Gratitude Mantra
माँ स्कन्दमाते शक्तिरूपिणि, ज्ञानविज्ञानदायिनि।
माँ शुद्धबुद्धिदायिनी त्वं, नमामि जगदम्बिके॥
Māṁ Skandamāte śaktirūpiṇi, jñānavijñānadāyini।
Māṁ śuddhabuddhidāyini tvaṁ, namāmi jagadambike॥
Meaning: “O Skandamata, form of power, bestower of knowledge and higher wisdom, I bow to you, O universal mother.”
Deeper Symbolism
Skandamata’s message is layered—she is both a gentle mother and a lion-riding protector. Her form teaches that true wisdom is not divorced from love, and motherhood is a divine force that protects the universe itself. When you meditate on her, the Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra) is activated, helping you speak your truth and listen with compassion.
Her holding of Kartikeya in her lap also represents the power of divine parenting, where even a child destined to destroy evil needs nurturing and divine care.
Conclusion
Goddess Skandamata is the glorious divine mother who nourishes, protects, and empowers. On Navratri Day 5, she blesses devotees with purity of heart, clarity of speech, and fearless devotion. Her form reminds us that true power flows through love, and motherhood itself is a form of divine strength that sustains the cosmos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can Skandamata be worshipped daily?
Yes, especially by mothers, educators, and spiritual seekers.
Q2: What makes her different from other Durga forms?
She is the only Navadurga depicted with a child (Skanda) and emphasizes divine motherhood.
Q3: What is her favorite offering?
Bananas, coconut, milk sweets, and white lotus flowers are considered ideal.
Q4: What is the best time to worship her?
Early morning, preferably during Brahma Muhurta or during Navratri’s Panchami Tithi.
Q5: What does she help cultivate?
Love, inner strength, intelligence, spiritual growth, and protective energy.