Navratri Day 5: Worship Of Goddess Skandamata
On day 5 of Navratri, we worship the goddess Skandamata, who is also the mother of lord Skanda who is known as Kartikeya On the fifth day of Navratri, we honor Skandamata, the divine mother of lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya. Skandamata is revered for her ability to grant wisdom, power, and abundance. Her name derives from Skanda, meaning Kartikeya, and Mata, meaning mother. Representing the nurturing qualities of motherhood, she is often depicted seated gracefully on a lotus, symbolizing her association with purity and beauty. . The commander of the Celestial army. Skandamata is revered as the goddess who bestows wisdom, power, and prosperity. Her name derives from “Skanda,” meaning Kartikeya, and “Mata,” meaning the mother. She represents the nurturing aspects of motherhood and is depicted seated on a lotus, often referred to as the goddess of the lotus
Symbolism and Iconography
Goddess Skandamata is typically shown with four arms, two arms holding lotus, one holding her son Skanda, and the other hand raised in a gesture of blessings (Abhaya Mudra). She rides a lion and transcendence. Skanda, as her child, represents leadership and courage, and her blessings bring harmony and growth to her devotees
Her association with the color yellow makes it the favored hue for worship on this day, symbolizing optimism and brightness.
Rituals and offerings
On the 5th day of Navratri, devotees can perform special rituals and prayers to honor Skandamata, some other special practices are mentioned below
Mantra Chanting: “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah” can be chanted to invoke the blessings of the goddess
(a) Dhyan Mantra (Meditation Mantra):
This mantra is chanted to meditate on the form of Goddess Skandamata and invoke her divine presence:
“सिंहासनगता नित्यम् पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥”
(b) Stuti Mantra (Praise Mantra):
This is a praise mantra dedicated to Skandamata:
“ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः।”
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah
(c) Mool Mantra (Main Mantra):
This mantra is the primary mantra chanted to invoke Skandamata’s blessings:
“सिंहासनगता नित्यम् पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥”
(d) Beeja Mantra (Seed Mantra):
This is a shorter form of the mantra that is often repeated in quick succession for focus and meditation:
“ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं स्कन्दमात्रे नमः”
Om Hreem Shreem Skandamatre Namah
Significance of worships
Worshiping Skandamata is believed to bring immense peace and contentment to devotees. She is seen as a compassionate and loving mother who loves and listens to the prayers of her children protects them from adversity gives them power and strength to fight for the strongest battle they are facing. Devotees often seek her blessings for the well being of their family, perticularly for the success and prosperity of their children.
By invoking Skandamataz, devotees are believed to gain strength wisdom and prosperity. She also bestows the ability to remain calm and composed even in the face of challenges, thus helping one to overcome difficulties with courage and grace.
Spiritual meaning
Goddess Skandamata is considered as a symbol of the path to salvation. She represents power of divine feminine to nurture, protect and elevate her devotees spiritually. Through her grace, devotees can go beyond materialistic desires and attain spiritual enlightenment her worship is said to purify the mind and heart, allowing for inner peace and deeper connection with the divine
Happy Navratri to all the devotees of Skandamata from The Lunar Team