VIZHA

Navaratri Celebration - Day 5 - Goddess Skandamatha

Maa Skandamatha is celebrated and worshipped on the fifth day of the Navaratri. This Goddess is an avatar of Maa Parvathi. She is the epitome symbol of the relationship between a mother and child ( as she carries an infant Muruga in her arms).

Origin and meaning of the Name

The name Skandamatha comes from two words. The words Skanda denotes Lord Karthikeya or Muruga, and Matha means Mother. Hence, the name Skandamatha means ‘Mother of Lord Karthikeya.

Depiction of the Goddess

Maa Skandamatha is depicted having four arms. She holds her infant - Karthikeya in one of her arms. On her second and third, she holds the lotus and blesses her devotees with the fourth arm. Goddess Skandamatha has a milky white completion and depicted riding a Lion.

The story behind the Avatar

When Sati immolated herself, Lord Shiva went into a deep penance. He completely removed himself from all worldly affairs. Then, Sati was reborn as Parvathi. She had a deep love for Lord Shiva even in this birth. Meanwhile, the Devas were in deep trouble. The Asura brothers, Tarakasura and Soorapadma, were wreaking havoc and tormenting the Devas. They had a boon that only an heir of Lord Shiva could kill them.

The Devas approached Lord Vishnu and asked for his help. Lord Vishnu told them about the reincarnation of Sati as Parvathi and how only she could save them. Sage Naradha approached Parvathi and asked her to take up severe penance to marry Lord Shiva. Parvathi did as directed. After observing penance for many thousand years, Lord Shiva relented his position and agreed to marry Parvathi.

The Devas appealed to Lord Shiva to save them from the Asura brothers. Lord Shiva opened his third eye, and out of it emanated six sparks. Lord Agni carried the six sparks and gave them to Ganga as he could not hold them. The sparks were too hot for Ganga too. Hence, Parvathi took the form of a water body and carried the sparks till they turned into six children. Six Krittikas took care of the young children. One day, Parvathi hugged all the six children in one deep embrace, and Lord Karthikeya emerged. He was an intelligent child. Goddess Parvathi blessed her child with a Spear. He became the fearless warrior and the commander-in-chief of the Army of the Gods. He killed the Asura brothers and brought peace to this earth.

Thus, When one worships this Goddess Skandhamatha, Lord Karthikeya is also worshipped as well, as he sits on her lap. Devi Skandamatha is said to bestow peace and happiness on her devotees.

Vaishnavi Gurusankar is a passionate educator, a wife and a mother. She has over a decade of experience as an educator and has been closely working with teachers and children of all ages. She is also an active parenting blogger and founder of Magical Unicorn, an exclusive parenting blog founded on Indian ethos, values and stories at its core. She has also authored the book "Bharatyam : Science behind Hindu Practices & Way of Life"