Mata Skandamata – Mother of Skanda
Skanda Mata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga, revered during the sacred festival of Navratri. She is known as the mother of Lord Skanda (also known as Kartikeya), the commander of the divine armies. The story of Skanda Mata begins when Goddess Parvati, after performing intense penance, marries Lord Shiva and gives birth to Lord Skanda. She is called Skanda Mata because of her role as his mother.
The Iconography and Symbolism of Skanda Mata
Skanda Mata is depicted as a divine mother who is seated on a lotus, a symbol of purity and divinity, which is why she is also called Padmasana. In her lap sits her son, Skanda, ready to lead the army of gods. She rides a majestic lion, symbolizing courage and strength. The goddess has four hands: in two, she holds blooming lotus flowers, one hand cradles baby Skanda, and the other hand is in the Abhaya Mudra, bestowing blessings and protection on her devotees.
Her radiant white complexion (Shubhra) signifies purity, peace, and wisdom. Skanda Mata, with her grace and motherly protection, grants boons to her devotees, who not only receive her divine blessings but also those of her son, Kartikeya.
The Divine Role and Worship
Goddess Skanda Mata is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Devotees honor her with deep reverence, believing that worshiping her also bestows the blessings of Lord Kartikeya. She is believed to govern the planet Mercury (Budha Graha), and her worship can help bring clarity of thought, wisdom, and the dispelling of confusion.
Her worship is especially significant for those seeking peace, prosperity, and protection. She symbolizes the powerful bond between mother and child, embodying nurturing love, strength, and wisdom.
Mantra and Prayer
Reciting the mantra of Skanda Mata is believed to invoke her blessings:
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah॥
Prarthana:
In her Prarthana, or prayer, devotees describe her as seated on a lion, holding lotuses in both hands, and always ready to bless and protect:
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya।
Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥
Stuti (praise)
In her Stuti (praise), Skanda Mata is worshiped as the divine mother who resides within all beings, blessing them with happiness and fulfillment:
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Skandamata Rupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
Dhyana (Meditation)
In meditation, devotees envision Skanda Mata as a radiant, pure white goddess seated on a lion, adorned with beautiful jewels and garments. Her peaceful and radiant expression brings serenity and hope to those who meditate upon her form:
वन्दे वाञ्छित कामार्थे चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहरूढ़ा चतुर्भुजा स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनीम्॥
Vande Vanchhita Kamarthe Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Simharudha Chaturbhuja Skandamata Yashasvinim॥
Through this meditation, devotees seek blessings for the fulfillment of their desires, peace, and spiritual elevation.
Kavacha (Protective Armor)
The protective Kavacha of Skanda Mata is a powerful shield for her devotees. It invokes the goddess’s divine protection, calling upon her grace to safeguard every part of the body:
ऐं बीजालिंका देवी पदयुग्मधरापरा।
हृदयम् पातु सा देवी कार्तिकेययुता॥
Aim Bijalinka Devi Padayugmadharapara।
Hridayam Patu Sa Devi Kartikeyayuta॥
The Kavacha blesses and protects the worshiper from all directions, keeping them safe from harm and negativity.
Conclusion
Skanda Mata embodies maternal love, wisdom, and strength. Her worship not only blesses her devotees with divine protection but also brings the blessings of her son, Lord Kartikeya. As the fifth form of Durga, Skanda Mata represents the nurturing and protective aspect of the goddess. On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees turn to her for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth, trusting in her divine power to guide them through life’s challenges.