The festival of Navratri lasts for nine long days. Different forms of Maa Durga are worshipped every day during this festival. Goddess Skandmata, a powerful incarnation of Goddess Durga is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Skanda is also the name of Kartikeya. Being her mother, the fifth form of Navdurga is called Skandmata. Skanda in Sanskrit also means just or fair. Therefore, Goddess Skandmata always judges her devotees impartially. She doesn’t discriminate against anyone. The greatest fact is that she considers all her devotees as her own children and tries to protect them.
When is Mata Skandmata Worshipped?
Mata Skandmata is usually worshipped on the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri 2023 which falls on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
Now know how to worship Goddess Skandmata on the fifth day of Navratri, what is the benefit of worshipping Skandmata and what is the story of her appearance.
Form of Goddess Skandmata
Skandmata is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Her form gives a very warm and affectionate feeling to the devotees. She always gives equal love and care to all her devotees like her own children. Skandmata rides on a lion. Skanda i.e. Kartikeya is generally found sitting in her lap in most idols and pictures of Goddess Skandmata. Her form shines with a golden aura. She has four hands. She holds two lotus flowers in two hands, Abhaya Mudra in the third and her son Skanda in the fourth hand. The form of Skandamata tells us a lot about her motherhood. Goddess Skandmata takes care of the whole world like her own child. In many places, Skandmata is also called Padmasani. Mata Parvati, Girija, and Gauri are also some other names of Skandmata. Now let’s know the story of Skandmata.
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Story of Goddess Skandmata
According to a legend, there was a demon named Tarakasur, who pleased Lord Brahma with his hard penance and sought the blessings of immortality from him. Brahmaji did not bless him with immortality, but Tarakasur very wittily asked Lord Brahma to bless him with the boon that only the son of Lord Shiva could kill him. Saddened by the separation from Sati, Lord Shiva went into deep meditation. Tarakasur thought that Lord Shiva would never marry again.
Therefore, with the blessings of Lord Brahma, Tarakasur spread his kingdom everywhere in heaven and on earth. Then all the gods worshipped Maa Durga to help them stop the destruction caused by Tarakasur. Maa Durga was born in the form of Parvati in the Himalaya Raj. At the request of the gods, Lord Shiva married Parvati and then Skanda was born. This form of Skandmata symbolises the love between a mother and a son. Worshipping Skandmata removes all the worries related to children. Now, let’s know how to worship Skandmata on the fifth day of Navratri
How to Perform the Skandamata Puja
Before worshipping Goddess Skandmata on the fifth day of Navratri, the devotees should meditate for five minutes at the place of Ghatasthapana with a clean body and mind. Worship the Kalash which was established on the first day as well. Worship the Navagraha too along with the Kalash. Then invoke Goddess Skandmata. Bathe the idol of the goddess. If you have a picture instead of an idol, then clean the picture properly. Offer clothes, Shringar and flowers to the Maa Skandmata. Also, offer halwa to her as bhog. Do chant the mantras of Skandmata and then distribute the Prasad.
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Mantras of Goddess Skandmata
|| Om Devi Skandamatai Namah ||
|| Sinhasangata Nityam Padmashritkardvaya ||
|| Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandmata Yashaswini ||
|| Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Skandmata Rupena Sansitha ||
|| Namasthasai Namasthasai Namasthasai Namo Namaha ||
Spiritual Meaning of Skandmata’s Form
The external form of Goddess Skandmata is that of a goddess riding on a lion with Skand in her hand, but it is very important for all seekers to understand her spiritual nature. Skanda or Kartikeya is a symbol of strength and courage. At the same time, the lion is also a form of violence and is known for power and arrogance. Both have been subdued by the love and affection of Skandmata. Therefore, Skandmata wants to give the message that everything is possible with love. Power and ego in this world can be controlled only by love.
Achieve Peace of Mercury and Mars with Skadmata Puja
Worshipping Goddess Skandmata helps to pacify the sufferings caused due the planets Mercury and Mars in the Navagrahas. Mercury is often referred to as the Lord of knowledge. The position of Mercury should be good in the horoscope for progress in the business. Worshipping Skandmata removes the pain related to the planet Mercury. In many texts, worshipping the goddess has also been described as the solution to the peace of Mars. If Mars is in a good position in the horoscope then we remain very active and energetic. The devotees do not face any problems in achieving the goals of their life. Worshipping Skandmata increases the positive results of Mars.
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Astrological Significance of Worshipping Skandmata
Goddess Skandmata is seated on a ferocious lion. She is seen carrying her child Skanda in her lap. She is also seen holding lotus flowers in her two upper hands. Perhaps this is the reason why the appearance of Goddess Skandamata is called Shubra, which signifies her beautiful creation. Worshipping Skandamata brings blessings of love, courage and prosperity to a devotee’s life. According to Vedic astrology, worshipping Goddess Skandmata has many positive effects on the planet Mars. The worship of Goddess Skandmata on the fifth day of Navratri strengthens Mars. The positive influence of Mars means a positive increase in activity, personal interests, desire, physical health, purpose in life, ability to help, mental toughness, etc. Apart from this, the good effects of Mars also give courage, mental strength, focus and the ability to overcome struggles.
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