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On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga. She is known as the mother of Lord Skanda (also known as Kartikeya), who is the commander of the divine army. Maa Skandamata symbolizes motherhood, love, and nurturing. She is believed to protect her devotees and bless them with happiness, prosperity, and peace.
Appearance of Maa Skandamata
- Form: Maa Skandamata has four arms. In two hands, she holds lotus flowers, in one hand she holds her son, Lord Skanda, in his child form, and the fourth hand grants blessings.
- Vehicle: Her vehicle is a lion, symbolizing strength and courage.
- Seated on a Lotus: Maa Skandamata is depicted sitting on a lotus flower, hence she is also called Padmasana Devi.
- Radiant Form: Her appearance is extremely bright and luminous, symbolizing her divinity.
The Story of Maa Skandamata
The story of Maa Skandamata is linked to her son, Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), who became the commander of the gods' army. When a fierce battle occurred between the gods and demons, Lord Skanda led the gods to victory. Maa Skandamata's maternal and protective nature is emphasized in her role as the divine mother who guides and protects her devotees in the same way she protects her son.
Worship Ritual of Maa Skandamata
- Bath and Clean Clothing: Bathe in the morning and wear clean white clothes. Purify and clean the place of worship.
- Kalash Sthapana (Establishment of a Sacred Pot): Set up a sacred Kalash (pot) filled with water, betel nut, coin, and coconut at the place of worship.
- Invocation and Meditation on Maa Skandamata: Meditate on the form of Maa Skandamata, holding the child form of Lord Skanda in her lap.
- Offer White Flowers and Rice: Offer white flowers, kumkum (vermillion), and rice to the goddess.
- Chanting of Mantras: Chant the following mantras while worshiping Maa Skandamata:
- Dhyana Mantra (Meditation Mantra):
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कंदमाता यशस्विनी॥(Translation: “I bow to the eternally seated Devi Skandamata, who sits on a lion and grants boons.”) - Main Mantra:
ॐ देवी स्कंदमातायै नमः॥
(Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah)
- Dhyana Mantra (Meditation Mantra):
- Offering Food: Offer fruits, bananas, or sweets made from milk, as Maa Skandamata loves these offerings.
- Aarti and Lighting Lamps: End the worship by performing the Aarti (prayer with a lit lamp) and lighting a ghee lamp for the goddess.
Dhyana Mantra of Maa Skandamata
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कंदमाता यशस्विनी॥
(Translation: “I meditate on the auspicious Goddess Skandamata, who sits on a lion, holding a lotus in her two hands, and grants all blessings.”)
Stotra (Hymn) for Maa Skandamata
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कंदमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
(Translation: “I bow again and again to the goddess who exists in all beings in the form of Maa Skandamata.”)
Aarti of Maa Skandamata
Purpose and Benefits of Worshiping Maa Skandamata
- Worshiping Maa Skandamata brings peace, prosperity, and happiness in life.
- She removes all sorrows and difficulties and grants her devotees mental peace.
- Through her blessings, spiritual growth is achieved, and one becomes victorious in all life challenges.
- She helps in awakening the Vishuddha Chakra (throat chakra), which brings truth and purity in one’s life.
Results of Worship
On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees who worship Maa Skandamata receive her divine blessings in the form of maternal love, protection, and compassion. She removes all obstacles from their lives and brings happiness, peace, and prosperity. She ensures the well-being of her devotees and protects them from all forms of difficulties, granting them a life filled with abundance and success.
