On the fifth day of Navaratri, the Skandamata form of Goddess Durga is worshipped. It is believed that if one worships Skandamata with complete adherence to the prescribed rituals, all the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled. Goddess Skandamata symbolizes power and knowledge. In addition to offering prayers, devotees also observe a fast on this day. She is also revered as Mokshadayini (the Bestower of Salvation). Worshipping her leads to the attainment of compassion and liberation. At a time when the universe was in utter chaos, this fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga safeguarded creation—assuming the triple roles of Mother, Guru, and Shakti (Divine Power)—and annihilated the demons with immense valor. If you wish to learn more about this mythological tale, please read on until the end of this article. First, let us understand why the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga has been named Skandamata.
Who is Goddess Skandamata?
According to mythological legends, the name Skandamata translates to “the Mother of Skanda.” In essence, Skanda is the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, Lord Kartikeya is the very deity referred to as Skanda. According to the *Puranas*, Skanda was born for the specific purpose of destroying the demons. At that time, the terror of the demon Tarakasura was spreading far and wide, plunging the entire universe into chaos. It was during this tumultuous period that the mighty child, Kartikeya, was born. He is also known by the name Shadanana.
Physical Appearance and Divine Representation of Maa Skandmata
The fifth manifestation of Mother Durga is Goddess Skandamata; she is depicted with four arms, in which she cradles her son in her lap. Additionally, she is seen holding a flower in one hand while displaying the *Abhaya Mudra* (gesture of fearlessness) with another. This form of the Goddess is profoundly maternal and brimming with love. Mounted upon a lion, Goddess Skandamata is revered as the presiding deity of the Solar Sphere. Her divine radiance brings clarity to one’s life and enhances self-confidence.
The Spiritual Significance of Worshipping Goddess Skandamata**
Worshipping and offering prayers to her helps regulate the *Vishuddha Chakra* (Throat Chakra). Furthermore, it facilitates the attainment of *Moksha* (salvation). Devotees who observe a fast alongside their worship of the Mother experience reduced stress and attain inner peace. They find liberation from obstacles hindering their endeavors and gain relief from negative energies. Consequently, purity of thought increases among devotees, and they gain greater control over their minds. For those whose relationships have become strained, the Mother’s blessings bring renewed strength and longevity to their bonds.
The Story of Mother Skandamata
Devotion to the Skandamata form of Mother Durga, practiced with true sincerity, fosters a heightened sense of concentration within the mind. However, her divine form itself stands as a symbol of power and valor. It was solely through her guidance that Skanda was able to achieve victory over the demons. According to mythological legends, the demons had established their dominion across the entire universe. Having defeated the gods in battle, they had seized control; consequently, their authority was now firmly established over the celestial realm (Swargalok). An atmosphere of fear prevailed everywhere due to the atrocities committed by Tarakasura. He possessed a divine boon stipulating that his demise could only be brought about by the hands of Lord Shiva’s son. Subsequently, following the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, a divine energy manifested—an energy of such intense radiance that it could not be contained within a human form.
Consequently, this divine energy was entrusted to the River Ganges. She released it into a sacred lake, where the energy manifested in the form of six infants. Mother Parvati then gathered them together, nurturing them and merging them into a single entity. It is for this reason that he is known as *Shadanana* (the Six-Faced One), and the fifth manifestation of Mother Durga is revered as Skandamata. Her son, Skanda, came to be known as Kartikeya. From the very moment of his birth, he was raised and trained as a warrior, rendering him fully prepared for battle. Endowed with immense divine powers, Kartikeya annihilated the colossal army of demons to liberate the three realms from the terror unleashed by Tarakasura.
In this epic battle, Kartikeya wielded a spear and emerged victorious. Following this triumph, Kartikeya restored the celestial realm to the gods and was subsequently acclaimed as the Commander-in-Chief of the divine army.
Aarti of Maa Skandmata
॥ आरती देवी स्कन्दमाता जी की ॥
जय तेरी हो स्कन्द माता।पाँचवाँ नाम तुम्हारा आता॥
सबके मन की जानन हारी।जग जननी सबकी महतारी॥
तेरी जोत जलाता रहूँ मैं।हरदम तुझे ध्याता रहूँ मै॥
कई नामों से तुझे पुकारा।मुझे एक है तेरा सहारा॥
कही पहाड़ों पर है डेरा।कई शहरों में तेरा बसेरा॥
हर मन्दिर में तेरे नजारे।गुण गाये तेरे भक्त प्यारे॥
भक्ति अपनी मुझे दिला दो।शक्ति मेरी बिगड़ी बना दो॥
इन्द्र आदि देवता मिल सारे।करे पुकार तुम्हारे द्वारे॥
दुष्ट दैत्य जब चढ़ कर आये।तू ही खण्ड हाथ उठाये॥
दासों को सदा बचाने आयी।भक्त की आस पुजाने आयी॥
Worship Method for Mother Skandamata
To worship Her, take a bath in the morning, wear clean clothes, and cleanse the designated place of worship.
Now, spread a clean cloth—preferably red or yellow—at that spot and commence the worship rituals.
During the worship of the mother, chant the mantra: Om Devi Skandamatryai Namah. (ॐ देवी स्कन्दमात्रे नमः॥) Chanting with pure and precise pronunciation leads to the fulfillment of one’s heart’s desires.
Additionally, also chant the Bija Mantra: “Hreem Kleem Swaminyai Namah”.
During the worship ceremony, light incense sticks (Dhup) and lamps (Deep), and illuminate a lamp fueled by clarified butter (Ghee).
Offer holy Ganges water, flowers, Roli, and Kumkum to the Mother.
After the worship, perform the Aarti (ritual of lights) for the Mother, and simultaneously recite the Stotra mantras.
स्कंदमाता स्तोत्र मंत्र
नमामि स्कन्दमाता स्कन्दधारिणीम्।
समग्रतत्वसागरम् पारपारगहराम्॥१॥
शिवाप्रभा समुज्वलां स्फुच्छशागशेखराम्।
ललाटरत्नभास्करां जगत्प्रदीप्ति भास्कराम्॥२॥
महेन्द्रकश्यपार्चितां सनत्कुमार संस्तुताम्।
सुरासुरेन्द्रवन्दिता यथार्थनिर्मलाद्भुताम्॥३॥
अतर्क्यरोचिरूविजां विकार दोषवर्जिताम्।
मुमुक्षुभिर्विचिन्तितां विशेषतत्वमुचिताम्॥४॥
नानालङ्कार भूषिताम् मृगेन्द्रवाहनाग्रजाम्।
सुशुध्दतत्वतोषणां त्रिवेदमार भूषणाम्॥५॥
सुधार्मिकौपकारिणी सुरेन्द्र वैरिघातिनीम्।
शुभां पुष्पमालिनीं सुवर्णकल्पशाखिनीम्॥६॥
तमोऽन्धकारयामिनीं शिवस्वभावकामिनीम्।
सहस्रसूर्यराजिकां धनज्जयोग्रकारिकाम्॥७॥
सुशुध्द काल कन्दला सुभृडवृन्दमज्जुलाम्।
प्रजायिनी प्रजावति नमामि मातरम् सतीम्॥८॥
स्वकर्मकारणे गतिं हरिप्रयाच पार्वतीम्।
अनन्तशक्ति कान्तिदां यशोअर्थभुक्तिमुक्तिदाम्॥९॥
पुनः पुनर्जगद्धितां नमाम्यहम् सुरार्चिताम्।
जयेश्वरि त्रिलोचने प्रसीद देवी पाहिमाम्॥१०॥
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