Skandamata Devi
"Goddess of motherhood and children"
Among the Navadurga, Skanda Mata holds a special place as the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga. Revered as "The Goddess of Fire," she is believed to bestow salvation, strength, prosperity, wisdom, and the fulfilment of desires upon her devotees. As the divine mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the celestial army, she embodies both nurturing love and warrior-like courage.

Skanda Mata is often depicted seated on a lion, symbolizing fearlessness and strength, while holding her son Skanda in her lap. She has four hands, carrying lotuses in two, holding Skanda in one, and displaying the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection) with the fourth. Her complexion shines with the brilliance of the sun, signifying her divine radiance and illuminating wisdom.
Worshiping Skanda Mata is believed to grant devotees both material success and spiritual liberation. She is particularly known for:
Bestowing Wisdom – Even those who are uneducated or lack formal knowledge can receive divine wisdom through her blessings.
Granting Prosperity – She ensures wealth, abundance, and success in life.
Providing Strength and Courage – Like her son Skanda, she empowers her devotees with fearlessness and valour.
Leading to Salvation (Moksha) – Her worship purifies the heart, paving the way for spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
Blessing with Divine Treasures – She grants both material and spiritual riches, ensuring overall well-being.
Skanda Mata’s devotees receive twice the divine grace, as worshiping her automatically includes the worship of Skanda. This dual blessing makes her veneration even more auspicious.
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Skanda Mata, and her worship is considered extremely powerful. To honour her, devotees should:
Maintain self-discipline and control over their senses and mind.
Free themselves from worldly attachments and focus on spiritual growth.
Worship her with single-minded devotion and pure intentions.
Meditate upon her sun-like radiance to awaken inner wisdom.
By practicing self-purity, devotion, and detachment from material distractions, one can experience divine enlightenment and eternal peace.
Skandamātā represents the union of motherly compassion and warrior-like strength. While she is a loving and nurturing mother, she is also a protector of righteousness. Her lion symbolizes courage, while the lotuses in her hands signify spiritual awakening and purity.
Her presence reminds devotees that both material achievements and spiritual fulfilment can coexist when approached with devotion and wisdom. She teaches that true success comes from balancing worldly duties with spiritual aspirations.
Worshiping Skandamātā brings peace, prosperity, wisdom, and ultimately Moksha (liberation). As the divine mother of Skanda, she blesses her devotees with fearlessness, power, and unwavering faith. By surrendering to her with pure devotion, one can achieve both worldly success and spiritual fulfilment, leading to ultimate salvation.
May Goddess Skandamātā bless all with wisdom, prosperity, and divine grace.