Sharad Navratri 2023: Maa Skandamata is a Hindu goddess and one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, who is worshiped during the festival of Navratri. The name “Skandamata” is made up of two words: “Skanda”, which is another name for Lord Kartikeya (son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati), and “Mata”, which means mother. Skandamata is depicted riding on a lion and carrying Lord Kartikeya in her lap. He is shown with four arms, two of his hands hold a lotus flower, while the other two hands are in a posture of blessing and protecting the devotees.
Skandamata is worshiped on the fifth day of Navratri, which is also known as Panchami. Devotees pray to him for the well-being and safety of their children. It is believed that she blesses her devotees with wisdom, courage and prosperity.
During the festival of Navratri, devotees perform special prayers, rituals and aarti (devotional songs) to seek the blessings of Mother Skandamata. Worshiping her is believed to provide both spiritual and physical strength to the devotees, and she is also believed to fulfill their wishes and remove obstacles from their lives.
Importance of Skandamata
Mother Skandamata has great importance in Hindu mythology and spirituality. Here are some key aspects of their importance:
maternal love and protection
Skandamata is often considered a symbol of maternal love and protection. Devotees believe that she protects their children from harm and provides them with the strength to face challenges in life.
symbol of maternal bond
The image of her holding Lord Kartikeya in her lap symbolizes the strong relationship between a mother and her child. This representation reinforces the importance of maternal love, care and nurturing in Hindu culture.
blessings for children
Devotees, especially parents, worship Skandamata to seek blessings for the well-being, health and success of their children. She is believed to impart wisdom and courage to her devotees, especially the youth.
strength and fearlessness
Skandamata riding on a lion is a symbol of strength and fearlessness. It is believed that worshiping him imparts these qualities to the devotees, making them capable of facing the challenges of life with courage and determination.
overcome obstacles
Devotees pray to Skandamata to remove obstacles and difficulties from their lives. It is believed that she helps her devotees to overcome obstacles and pave the way for a smooth and successful life journey.
spiritual growth
Skandamata is also related to spiritual development. By worshiping him, devotees attain spiritual growth and enlightenment. His blessings are believed to guide the seekers on the path of righteousness and inner transformation.
celebration of navratri
Skandamata is worshiped during the festival of Navratri, an important Hindu festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. During this time, devotees invoke his divine presence through prayers, rituals and devotional offerings.
energy balance
In the context of Navratri festival, Skandamata represents the balance of divine feminine energy (Shakti). His worship reminds us of the harmonious coexistence of strength and compassion, which are essential virtues in the pursuit of spiritual growth.
Overall, Mother Skandamata is worshiped as a symbol of love, protection, strength and compassion. Worshiping her is an expression of devotion and a way for devotees to connect with the nurturing and empowering aspects of the divine feminine.