Chaitra Navratri: Day 5
Skandamata: The Goddess of Motherhood and Spiritual Enlightenment
Chaitra Navratri is a celebration of the Goddess and all Her nine forms. The festival is celebrated in the spring, culminating in the celebration of Ram Navami, or the celebration of Lord Ram’s birth. The fifth day of this festival is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, “The Goddess of Motherhood.”
Known as the Goddess of Motherhood, Maa Skandamata is a manifestation of divine nurturing, purity, and the eternal bond between a mother and her child. With her connection to Lord Skanda (also known as Kartikeya), she embodies the power of both creation and destruction, guiding her devotees towards spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
The Form of Skandamata
Maa Skandamata is often depicted with four hands, each holding significant symbols of divine power and protection. In her upper hands, she holds two lotuses, representing purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening. Her third hand cradles her son, the six-headed infant Kartikeya, seated upon her lap, signifying her role as the nurturing mother. The fourth hand is extended in a gesture of blessing, providing protection to her devotees.
She is also seated upon a lion, an animal that represents strength, courage, and the power to overcome all obstacles. The lion’s presence underlines her dominance over both the material and spiritual realms, making Maa Skandamata a strong symbol of fierce compassion and divine guidance.
The Story of Tarakasura and the Role of Skandamata
The demon, Tarakasura, performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma, pleased with his penance, allowed him a boon. Tarakasura asked for immortality. However, Brahma could not grant him true immortality. Upon Lord Brahma’s refusal, Tarakasura modified his request, seeking death only at the hands of Lord Shiva’s son, who, as an ascetic, was unlikely to have a child.
This proved to be his downfall, as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gave birth to Lord Kartikeya, the mighty warrior destined to defeat Tarakasura. Kartikeya engaged in a prolonged battle with the demon and finally vanquished him, restoring peace to the heavens. In honor of this victory, Goddess Parvati took on the name Skandamata, the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), and became the symbol of protection, divine strength, and motherhood.
The Symbolism of Skandamata: Purity, Unconditional Love, and Creation
Maa Skandamata is a powerful symbol of creativity, purity, and unconditional love. Her form is a representation of nurturing energy and fecundity, reflecting the divine process of creation. As the protector of her devotees, she provides a safe space for them to express their truest selves, free from ego and falsehood.
The lotus, which she holds in her hands, symbolizes purity of thoughts and actions, a central tenet of Skandamata’s teachings. Devotees who pray to her with a pure and dedicated heart are blessed with wisdom, wealth, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Maa Skandamata’s grace allows individuals to move toward a state of higher consciousness, paving the way for them to attain enlightenment.
Skanda, or Kartikeya, represents the union of two powerful energies: Jnana Shakti (the power of knowledge) and Kriya Shakti (the power of action). As Skandamata, she is the embodiment of this harmonious balance, showing us that true spiritual growth lies in integrating both knowledge and action. She teaches us that by gaining wisdom and applying it through righteous action, we can attain spiritual liberation.
Maa Skandamata and the Vishuddhi Chakra
Maa Skandamata is associated with the Vishuddhi Chakra, the throat chakra. The Vishuddhi Chakra is the chakra of communication, truth, and self-expression. This chakra is often blocked by illusions, delusions, and falsehoods that we create and live by. Maa Skandamata’s divine energy purifies the Vishuddhi Chakra, helping devotees overcome ego, ignorance, and deception.
Through the blessings of Maa Skandamata, the Vishuddhi Chakra becomes cleansed, allowing individuals to communicate with clarity and truth. She enables her devotees to access deeper levels of consciousness, ultimately guiding them toward moksha, or spiritual liberation. Skandamata, through her nurturing energy, leads the seeker to a place of purity, enabling them to align with their highest truth and highest purpose.
Conclusion: The Divine Mother Who Guides Us Toward Liberation
Maa Skandamata, the Goddess of Motherhood, is a radiant force of divine love, wisdom, and nurturing energy. She is a protector, a guide, and a source of immense spiritual power. By embodying the perfect balance between knowledge and action, Maa Skandamata leads her devotees toward spiritual awakening, helping them to cleanse their minds and hearts of illusions and ego. Her blessings are a pathway to enlightenment, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. As a mother, Maa Skandamata lovingly guides her children through the complexities of life, teaching them patience, compassion, and the importance of inner truth.
Whether you seek protection, wisdom, or spiritual growth, Maa Skandamata offers her unconditional love and grace. By connecting with her divine energy, you are not only blessed with material and spiritual gifts but also guided on the ultimate journey of self-realization and liberation.
Shloka
सिम्हासनगता नित्यम् पद्माश्रितकरद्वया
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी ॥
Simha-[A]asana-Gataa Nityam Padma-[A]ashrita-Kara-Dvayaa
Shubha-Daa-[A]stu Sadaa Devii Skandamaataa Yashasvinii ||
Maa Skandamata, presented by Ananya Bhatt of Sur Sangat
