Goddess Skandamata: The Divine Mother of Lord Kartikeya
Origin
Goddess Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. When Goddess Parvati became the mother of Lord Skanda (also known as Lord Kartikeya), she was revered as Goddess Skandamata. Her name is derived from her son, Skanda, meaning “Mother of Skanda.” She embodies maternal love, courage, and divine grace, blessing her devotees with wisdom, prosperity, and salvation.
Navratri Worship
Goddess Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri with great devotion. Devotees seek her blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and well-being. She is particularly revered for granting happiness, success, and the fulfillment of desires.
Governing Planet
It is believed that the planet Budha (Mercury) is governed by Goddess Skandamata. Worshiping her is said to bring clarity in communication, intellectual growth, and a positive influence on planetary positions.
Iconography
Goddess Skandamata is depicted as a divine mother sitting on a majestic lion, symbolizing strength and protection. She carries baby Murugan (Lord Kartikeya) in her lap, signifying her nurturing nature. Lord Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, is the commander of the divine army and the brother of Lord Ganesha.
She has four hands:
- Upper Hands: Holds lotus flowers, representing purity and divine energy.
- Lower Right Hand: Holds baby Murugan, signifying her maternal aspect.
- Lower Left Hand: Raised in Abhaya Mudra, bestowing fearlessness and blessings upon her devotees.
Goddess Skandamata is often depicted seated on a lotus flower, earning her the name Goddess Padmasana.
Details
The complexion of Goddess Skandamata is Shubhra (शुभ्र), meaning white, symbolizing purity and divine light. Devotees who worship her receive the blessings of both Goddess Parvati and Lord Kartikeya. This unique aspect makes her worship highly beneficial for those seeking spiritual progress, wisdom, and protection.
Favourite Flower
Red-colored flowers, especially hibiscus, are considered sacred offerings to Goddess Skandamata.
Mantra
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
Prarthana (Prayer)
सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥
Stuti (Hymn of Praise)
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Dhyana (Meditative Visualization)
वन्दे वाञ्छित कामार्थे चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
सिंहरूढ़ा चतुर्भुजा स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनीम्॥
धवलवर्णा विशुध्द चक्रस्थितों पञ्चम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्।
अभय पद्म युग्म करां दक्षिण उरू पुत्रधराम् भजेम्॥
पटाम्बर परिधानां मृदुहास्या नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्।
मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल धारिणीम्॥
प्रफुल्ल वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् पीन पयोधराम्।
कमनीयां लावण्यां चारू त्रिवली नितम्बनीम्॥
Stotra (Hymn of Devotion)
नमामि स्कन्दमाता स्कन्दधारिणीम्।
समग्रतत्वसागरम् पारपारगहराम्॥
शिवाप्रभा समुज्वलां स्फुच्छशागशेखराम्।
ललाटरत्नभास्करां जगत्प्रदीप्ति भास्कराम्॥
महेन्द्रकश्यपार्चितां सनत्कुमार संस्तुताम्।
सुरासुरेन्द्रवन्दिता यथार्थनिर्मलाद्भुताम्॥
अतर्क्यरोचिरूविजां विकार दोषवर्जिताम्।
मुमुक्षुभिर्विचिन्तितां विशेषतत्वमुचिताम्॥
नानालङ्कार भूषिताम् मृगेन्द्रवाहनाग्रजाम्।
सुशुध्दतत्वतोषणां त्रिवेदमार भूषणाम्॥
सुधार्मिकौपकारिणी सुरेन्द्र वैरिघातिनीम्।
शुभां पुष्पमालिनीं सुवर्णकल्पशाखिनीम्
तमोऽन्धकारयामिनीं शिवस्वभावकामिनीम्।
सहस्रसूर्यराजिकां धनज्जयोग्रकारिकाम्॥
सुशुध्द काल कन्दला सुभृडवृन्दमज्जुलाम्।
प्रजायिनी प्रजावति नमामि मातरम् सतीम्॥
स्वकर्मकारणे गतिं हरिप्रयाच पार्वतीम्।
अनन्तशक्ति कान्तिदां यशोअर्थभुक्तिमुक्तिदाम्॥
पुनः पुनर्जगद्धितां नमाम्यहम् सुरार्चिताम्।
जयेश्वरि त्रिलोचने प्रसीद देवी पाहिमाम्॥
Kavacha (Protective Shield)
ऐं बीजालिंका देवी पदयुग्मधरापरा।
हृदयम् पातु सा देवी कार्तिकेययुता॥
श्री ह्रीं हुं ऐं देवी पर्वस्या पातु सर्वदा।
सर्वाङ्ग में सदा पातु स्कन्दमाता पुत्रप्रदा॥
वाणवाणामृते हुं फट् बीज समन्विता।
उत्तरस्या तथाग्ने च वारुणे नैॠतेअवतु॥
इन्द्राणी भैरवी चैवासिताङ्गी च संहारिणी।
सर्वदा पातु मां देवी चान्यान्यासु हि दिक्षु वै॥
Aarti (Devotional Song)
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॥
This article provides a detailed insight into the divine aspects of Goddess Skandamata, her significance, and how she is revered in Hindu tradition. Devotees seek her blessings for wisdom, protection, and the well-being of their children. May Goddess Skandamata bless all her devotees with prosperity, happiness, and success.
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