Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped with devotion during the nine-day festival of Navratri. She is depicted seated on a lotus, holding her son Lord Skanda (Kartikeya) in her lap, symbolizing her divine role as the cosmic mother. With her four arms and a peaceful, serene expression, she radiates maternal love and compassion. Her mount, the lion, represents strength, courage, and valor.
Devotees worship Skandamata to seek blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and inner strength to overcome life’s challenges. Her grace reminds devotees of the protective power of a mother’s love and her ability to shield her children from all harm.
Skandamata: Fifth Shakti of Maa Durga
Skandamata is the fifth form of the nine forms of Maa Durga, who is worshiped on the fifth day of Navratri. Her name is associated with her son Lord Skanda, who is known as Kartikeya or the God of War. “Skanda” means Kartikeya, and “mata” means mother, so Skandamata is seen as a mother.
Different names of Skandmata and their meanings
Mother Skandmata sits on a lotus seat, that is why she is also known as Padmasana Devi. Skandamata is actually Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya, who is also called Maheshwari and Gauri. Since she is the daughter of Parvataraja Himalaya, she is called Parvati. Being the wife of Lord Mahadev (Shiva), she is called Maheshwari. At the same time, due to her fair and bright appearance, she is also known as Gauri. Every form of Skandamata represents her infinite love, power, and compassion, and by worshipping her, devotees are blessed with happiness, peace, and prosperity.
Divine Form of Skandamata
The form of Skandamata is a wonderful combination of love and power. Skandmata is a goddess with four arms and three eyes, who rides on a lion, symbolizing her courage and strength. One of her hands is always in Abhaya Mudra, which shows that she protects her devotees from every fear and danger. In her other hand, she holds the child form of her son Skanda (Lord Kartikeya) in her lap, which symbolizes her affection and motherhood.
In the remaining two hands, she holds lotus flowers, which are considered a symbol of peace, purity and spiritual awareness. Skandamata is fair in complexion, which shows her gentleness and divinity. She is often shown sitting on a lotus seat, so she is also called Padmasani.
The Great Story of Skandamata and Kartikeya: End of the Demon Tarakasura
According to the legend, once upon a time the terror of a terrible demon named Tarakasura was spread across the universe. His power was so great that there was no one who could destroy him. Only Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya could cause his defeat.
In this situation, Mother Parvati took the form of Skandamata and decided to prepare her son Skanda (Kartikeya) for the war. The mother gave him rigorous training, so that he could recognize the power within himself and face that demon.
After this training, Kartikeya imbibed her maternal powers and eventually put an end to Tarakasura. Thus, Skandamata not only prepared her son for the war, but also established peace in the universe by ending the terror of the demon.
Skandmata’s favorite color
Skandmata loves yellow color very much. Yellow fruits, yellow sweets and other yellow items are especially offered in her worship.
Skandamata’s favourite offering
Skandamata loves yellow coloured items especially, hence it is considered auspicious to include yellow fruits and sweets in her offering. Especially, you can prepare saffron kheer for your mother.
Powerful mantras for worshipping Skandamata
Om Devi Skandmatayai Namah
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Skandmata Rupen Sansthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
