Introduction

Goddess Skandamata is the mother goddess who bestows love and compassion to devotees. She is one of the incarnations of goddess Parvati who is worshipped as 'Skandamata'. Devotees worship her on the Fifth Day of Navratri to seek motherly love and blessings.

What Does The Name 'Skandamata' Refer To?

The name 'Skandamata' breaks into elements like 'Skanda' and 'Mata'. 'Skanda' is another name for Lord Kartikeya, the eldest son of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati, while 'Mata' is the Hindi word for Mother. Therefore, they (Skanda + Mata) collectively refer to 'The Mother of Skanda'.

Who Is Goddess Skandamata?

Goddess Skandamata is the fifth manifestation of Goddess Navdurga. This form of Goddess Navdurga is known for her motherly characteristics reflected in her name. She is the mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya) whom she holds in her lap to showcase her motherhood. As the goddess is one of the incarnations of the Goddess Parvati, devotees worship her in this form.

Goddess Skandamata Depiction

Maa Skandamata mounts on a Lion and has four hands. She is holding 'Skanda (Lord Kartikeya)' in her hand who is sitting in the lap of Mata. The other hand of mata is in Abhaymudra which represents fearlessness while the remaining two hands are equipped with Lotus flower.

She has three observant eyes similar to Goddess Chandraghanta and a light complexion. In addition to mounting on Lion, she is often depicted sitting on the Lotus Flower and therefore called 'Padmasini'.

Image: Goddess Skandamata 

What Are The Significance Of Various Iconographies Of Goddess Skandamata?

Abhaymudra, Lotus, Lion

Unlike Mother Skandamata, Maa Chandraghanta is also depicted in Abhaymudra. This Mudra is significantly very important in different Yoga Asans, Classical Dance, and Hindu Deities Postures. Learn more about this Mudra in the article dedicated to the Goddess Chandraghanta.

While Lotus is significant in the depiction of Goddess Brahmacharini also. You can read more about the Mata's Vahan - Lion in the depiction of 'Goddess Kushmanda'.

Note: Read the Article on 'Goddess Shailaputri' who is worshipped on the First Day of Navratri.

Skanda

Skanda is another name for Lord Kartikeya, the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. The word 'Skanda' is derived from Sanskrit which means to leap or to attack. His other names are Kumar Kartikeya, Lord Murugan, Kumar, Mahasena, Murugan, Subrahmanya, Shanmukha , etc. In Hinduism, he is referred to as the 'Warrior God' who is an expert in war and fighting.

Kumar Kartikeya is worshipped as Lord Murugan in southern India, especially Tamil Nadu. There, he is famously referred to as 'Tamil Kadavul' which means 'The God of Tamils or Tamilians'. However, If you wish to learn more about him then read the book 'Tamil Kadavul: The Warrior God'. The book is unique in itself and discusses him in detail.

Image: Tamil Kadavul- The                        Warrior God

Temples Dedicate To Goddess Skandamata

Bageshwari Devi (Skandamata Temple), Kashi Khand

Maa Bageshwari Devi Temple, Kashi Khand in Varanasi is the temple, dedicated to Goddess Skandamata. The temple is situated at J 7/2, Digiya Rd, Jaitpura Varanasi, and has great belief among devotees.

Image: Maa Bageshwari Devi Temple, Varanasi

Why Should You Worship Goddess Skandamata?

Goddess Skandamata bestows motherly love and compassion to her devotees. Therefore, devotees worship to seek her blessing and motherly love from her. She takes care of her devotees like her children and provides boons for prosperity, love, wisdom, protection, and motherhood. Worshipping her can also give you relief from infertility.

Key Points To Remember About Goddess Skandamata

(a) Goddess Skandamata is the Fifth Manifestation of Goddess Navdura.

(b) Devotees worship her on the Fifth Day of Navratri to seek her blessings.

(c) Being the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), she represents motherly characteristics.

(d) Skanda is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

(e) Maa Bageshwari Devi Temple of Maa Skandamata is situated in Varanasi (The Religious Capital of India).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Goddess Skandamata is the true representation of motherly characteristics. Her iconography establishes her as the mother goddess and leads her devotees to believe that she can protect them like her children.

FAQs

Q1. What does the Goddess Skandamata Symbolize?

Ans. Goddess Skandamata is the mother of 'Skanda (Lord Kartikeya)'. Hence, she is worshipped in the mother form and symbolizes motherhood.

Q2. What is the benefit of worshipping Goddess Skandamata?

Ans. Goddess Skandamata is the supreme mother who can bless your motherhood. Hence, worshipping her can relieve you from infertility.

Q3. Which flower should be offered to Goddess Skandamata?

Ans. Goddess Skandamata is holding two Lotus Flowers in her two upper hands. Therefore, offering a Lotus to the goddess can please her.