Maa Skandamata

Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Hindu Goddess Durga who is worshiped on the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri. Her name comes from Skanda, another name for the war god Kartikeya. Goddess Skandamata is a four-armed god and rides a lion. Orange color is associated with Maa Skandamata as orange colour signifies brightness, knowledge and tranquillity.

Parvati performed penance for Lord Shiva and was instrumental in bringing Lord Skanda into this world, therefore, Skandmata is worshipped during Navratri. She is the mother of a powerful and gifted child who spread peace and harmony among us. She holds a lotus in two of her hands, carries Lord Kartikeya with her third hand and blesses all her devotees with the fourth hand.

It is believed that she blesses devotees with salvation, power, prosperity, wealth and treasures. She grants oceans of wisdom even to most illiterate people if they happen to worship her. Goddess Skandamata is worshipped to get her blessings and bring fortune and luck to her devotees. She is believed to be the Goddess of love and motherhood. 

Bananas are offered as prasad to this Devi with the chanting of mantras. Fruits, sweets, flowers, rice, and water are also offered during her worship. Red-colored flowers are her favorite and red roses could be mainly used for her pooja. When the devotee worships her, Lord Skanda, her son in her lap, is automatically worshipped.

Maa Skandamata Mantra :

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कंदमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नम:।।

Chant this mantra to get the blessings of Maa Skandamata. 

Happy Navratri to you and your family ❤