Introduction :
On the fifth day of Navratri, Skandamata, Maa Durga’s fifth avatar, is worshipped. With the blessings of Maa Sakandmata, even an ignoramus person becomes wise. In this article, the readers will find a piece of detailed information on various aspects related to Skandmata according to Hindu religious scriptures.
Who is Skandamata?
Skanda is another name of Bhagwan Kartikeya (Maa Parvati’s son) thus Skandamata simply means mother of Kartikeya, it is another form of Maa Parvati. Maa Skandamata is thus worshipped as the mother of a child who possesses exceptional abilities. She holds six-faced infant Bhagwan Kartikeya in her lap; so by worshiping Maa Skandamata, Bhagwan Kartikeya is worshipped automatically.
It is in this form that she possesses four arms, in one she holds Bhagwan Kartikeya, in the second and third she holds Lotus, and in the fourth, she blesses her devotees.
Skandmata is also referred to as Parvati since she is the daughter of Himalaya, the mountain king. Apart from this, being the wife of Mahadev, she was given the name Maheshwari and is also called Gauri because of her fair complexion. She is known as Padmasana also because she sits on a lotus flower.
Mantra of Skandamata :
The mantra of Maa Shailputri is –
One can achieve happiness and peace in life by chanting the following mantra of Skandmata during worship ‘ॐ स्कन्दमात्रै नम:।।” Om Skandamatrai Namah’ or या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।। ‘Ya devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Skandmata Rupena Sanstha. Namastasya Namastasya Namastasya Namo Namah.’ People worship and seek her blessings for long and blissful life.
The story about Skandamata :
An ancient legend tells of a demon named Tarakasur, whose end was only possible through the intervention of Shiva’s son. In order to prepare her son Skanda (Karthikeya) for war, Mother Parvati assumed the form of Skanda Mata. As a result of his war training by His mother Skandamata, Bhagwan Kartikeya killed Tarakasur.
Why is Skandamata worshipped?
All the wishes are granted to the worshippers of Sakandmata as she never let her devotees go empty-handed. There is a glow on the faces of Sakandmata’s devotees. The goddess Skandamata is considered to be the ruler of the planet Budha. By worshipping Skandamata, you are able to remove the negative effects of mercury (ghrah Budha), which is the planet associated with the goddess Skandamata.
The Chakra in which she is positioned is called the Vishudha Chakra, (the word Vishudha means purity in all directions) therefore while praying on this day of Durga Pooja the devotee moves toward pure thoughts and is able to remove all the impurities of thoughts and tensions of the world.
How to pray Skandamata?
For praying Mata, the first thing a devotee should do is take a bath and wear clean clothing. Then keep the idol or picture of Skandmata in the place of worship. After purifying oneself with Gangajal, put some coins in an urn and set it on the post. After applying Roli-Kumkum, Naivedya of Kheer( rice pudding in milk) and banana should be offered to Skandmata.
According to religious scripture, Goddess Skandamata, the presiding deity of the solar system, loves white and blue colour. The devotee should wear white, blue, or yellow clothes while doing the prayer of Sakandmata.
Conclusion
As per Hindu scriptures, Skandamata is often regarded as a symbol of fertility, motherhood, and mother-child relationships. Goddess Skandamata is known for blessing her devotees with power, prosperity and salvation.
