Goddess Skandamata is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during the Navratri festival in India. She is known as the fifth manifestation of the Goddess and is represented as having four arms, with her right hand holding a lotus flower, and her left hand holding her son, Lord Skanda or Kartikeya, on her lap. She is also depicted as riding a lion.
The name “Skandamata” is a combination of two words: “Skanda” which is another name for Lord Kartikeya, and “Mata” which means mother. Thus, Skandamata is known as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, who is also known as the God of war.
Mantra/मन्त्र:
Sinhasangata Nityam Padmashritakardvaya.
Good luck always Goddess Skandamata Yashswini ॥
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदाऽस्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Skandamata is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and wisdom to her devotees. It is believed that worshipping her can remove all obstacles from one’s life and help in achieving success and happiness.
The four arms of the Goddess represent the four directions, and the lotus flower in her right hand symbolizes purity and enlightenment. The presence of Lord Kartikeya on her lap symbolizes the strong bond between mother and child.
The Goddess is worshipped during the fifth day of Navratri, where devotees offer flowers, sweets, and prayers to seek her blessings. It is believed that worshipping Skandamata can bring happiness, prosperity, and success to one’s life.
In addition to being worshipped during the Navratri festival, Goddess Skandamata is also revered during the festival of Kartik Purnima, which is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. It is believed that on this day, Lord Kartikeya was born, and thus, Skandamata is worshipped as his mother.
In conclusion, Goddess Skandamata is a revered deity in Hindu mythology. She is known as the mother of Lord Kartikeya and is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and wisdom to her devotees. Her strong bond with her son symbolizes the love and compassion of a mother towards her child. Her blessings are sought after during the Navratri festival and Kartik Purnima.