The Nine Facets of Devi Durga: Know About Goddess Skandamata

On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Skandamata, the fifth form of Devi Durga. Skandamata is revered as the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the god of war and victory. Her name is derived from “Skanda,” another name for her son, and “Mata,” meaning mother. Thus, Skandamata is the motherly figure who nourishes and nurtures, representing maternal love, selfless devotion, and protection. Worshiping Goddess Skandamata during Navratri brings forth blessings of wisdom, power, and prosperity. Devotees believe that she not only protects them but also grants them strength and peace in all aspects of life.

The Mythological Background of Goddess Skandamata

According to Hindu mythology, Skandamata is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the celestial armies and the destroyer of demons. When the gods were in distress due to the demon Tarakasura, they approached Lord Shiva for help. Shiva’s energy, combined with the prayers of the gods, resulted in the birth of Kartikeya, who was destined to defeat the demon.

Skandamata is often depicted holding her son Skanda in her lap. Her motherly figure reflects unconditional love, but she also represents the fierce power that mothers can summon to protect their children. As the mother of a warrior god, she symbolizes both nurturing care and the strength needed to overcome challenges.

The Symbolism of Goddess Skandamata

Goddess Skandamata is depicted as riding a lion, representing courage and power. She holds baby Kartikeya (Skanda) in her lap, symbolizing her role as a protective mother. Skandamata has four arms: two hands hold lotus flowers, one hand supports Lord Skanda, and the fourth hand is raised in a gesture of blessing.

Skandamata is associated with the Vishuddhi Chakra, or the throat chakra, which governs communication, truth, and wisdom. Worshiping her is believed to purify the mind and soul, leading to a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. Devotees seek her blessings to enhance their ability to express their thoughts clearly, find wisdom, and grow spiritually.

Significance of Worshiping Goddess Skandamata

Worshiping Goddess Skandamata holds great spiritual significance, as she represents both the maternal and warrior aspects of the divine feminine. Devotees believe that she blesses them with wisdom, strength, and power to overcome the obstacles in life. Her blessings help individuals gain clarity of thought and achieve success in both their personal and professional lives.

Her protective and nurturing nature is also believed to bring peace and prosperity to families. Many people worship Skandamata to strengthen the bonds of love and care within their families, seeking her blessings for the well-being of their children and loved ones.

Skandamata’s connection with the Vishuddhi Chakra also makes her a significant deity for those who wish to enhance their communication skills, express their truth, and achieve mental clarity. By meditating on her form and chanting her mantras, devotees aim to cleanse their throat chakra, which in turn helps them express themselves with honesty and wisdom.

Rituals and Offerings for Goddess Skandamata

On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees begin their day by bathing and wearing clean, white clothes, as the color white represents purity and peace, which are associated with Skandamata. Devotees offer her white flowers, especially lotuses, which are symbolic of her divine grace and purity.

Devotees also offer fruits and sweets, including bananas and panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar). These offerings are believed to please the goddess and earn her blessings for the devotees’ health and prosperity.

The rituals include lighting lamps, incense, and reciting mantras dedicated to Skandamata. The Skandamata Stotra and Durga Saptashati are commonly read or recited on this day. Fasting is another important aspect of the worship, with some devotees observing strict fasts, consuming only fruits and milk, while others observe a single meal fast.

Spiritual Benefits of Worshiping Goddess Skandamata

Worshiping Skandamata is believed to bestow immense spiritual benefits. Her blessings bring peace, prosperity, and good health, and devotees often seek her help in overcoming obstacles in life. Skandamata’s maternal nature ensures that she is compassionate and loving toward her devotees, and her blessings are believed to be especially powerful for those who are facing hardships or difficulties.

Spiritually, Skandamata is known to purify the heart and mind of her devotees. Her association with the Vishuddhi Chakra means that she helps to clear negative energy from the throat chakra, enhancing one’s ability to speak truthfully and effectively. This can be particularly beneficial for those in professions where communication is key, such as teaching, counseling, or leadership roles.

On the fifth day of Navratri, the worship of Goddess Skandamata symbolizes the balance between nurturing love and fierce protection. As the mother of Lord Skanda, she embodies both the maternal and warrior aspects of the divine feminine, offering her devotees the wisdom, strength, and clarity needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success in life.

Her blessings bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth, making her a significant deity for those seeking personal and professional success, as well as spiritual enlightenment. By worshiping Skandamata, devotees hope to purify their minds and hearts, opening themselves to wisdom and divine grace, while also strengthening their families and relationships with her nurturing energy.