Shri Skandamata Avatar -

Skandamata | Avatar of maa shakti

Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. She is revered as the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the god of war, symbolizing motherly love, strength, and courage. The name Skandamata literally means “Mother of Skanda,” highlighting her role as a nurturing yet powerful goddess. She is usually depicted seated on a lion, holding her son, Lord Skanda, in her lap.

“ॐ माता स्कन्दमाता की जय – शक्ति, साहस और ममता का प्रतीक!”

― Shri Skandamata Avatar

Mythologically, Maa Skandamata is said to bestow wisdom, prosperity, and bravery. Devotees who worship her are believed to receive her blessings of emotional stability,

Mythological Significance of Skandamata Avatar

Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Maa Durga, holds a unique place in Hindu mythology as the divine mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the god of war. Her significance lies in her ability to combine motherly compassion with supreme power, symbolizing that true strength is rooted in love, care, and righteousness.

According to the legends, she is the daughter of the Himalayas and is also considered an aspect of Adi Shakti, the primordial energy of the universe. She is depicted riding a lion, signifying courage and fearlessness, while holding her infant son Skanda in her lap. This iconography represents the balance of nurturing and protection — she nurtures her devotees like a mother and simultaneously protects them from evil and negative forces.

Maa Skandamata is worshipped to bestow wisdom, prosperity, and courage. She removes fear and instills inner strength, determination, and devotion in her followers. Her lotus signifies purity and spiritual enlightenment, while her maternal form reminds devotees that the divine is both gentle and powerful, guiding humanity through compassion and divine protection.

Her worship is believed to bring emotional stability, spiritual growth, and victory over obstacles, making her an embodiment of motherly love intertwined with divine power, a perfect example of how strength and gentleness coexist in the cosmic order.

Symbolism of Skandamata Avatar

Maa Skandamata embodies a profound spiritual symbolism that goes beyond mere motherhood. She represents the universal principle of nurturing energy — the power that sustains life, nurtures growth, and protects the innocent. Her position on a lion symbolizes that true courage and fearlessness come from inner strength, and that one can face the battles of life while remaining guided by love and righteousness.

Holding her son, Lord Skanda, in her lap is highly significant. It illustrates that divine energy manifests through creation, and that protection and guidance are inseparable from nurturing. Just as she shields her child, she shields her devotees from harm, negativity, and fear, offering emotional stability and spiritual fortitude. Her lion also represents the controlled power of instincts and passion, teaching that strength should always be guided by wisdom and compassion.

The lotus in her hand reflects spiritual awakening, purity, and detachment. Even in the material world filled with chaos and challenges, she remains untouched by impurity, reminding her devotees that inner spiritual growth and moral integrity must coexist with worldly responsibilities.

Maa Skandamata also symbolizes the balance of the cosmic feminine energy (Shakti) — she is gentle yet powerful, nurturing yet strong, compassionate yet commanding. Worshipping her is said to awaken inner courage, confidence, and the ability to overcome obstacles, while fostering love, devotion, and a sense of protection for oneself and others.

In essence, Maa Skandamata teaches that divine love and maternal care are inseparable from courage and righteous action, showing that the true power of the feminine lies in nurturing life while guiding it toward light, knowledge, and spiritual awakening.

Worship of Skandamata Avatar of Maa Shakti

The puja typically begins with purification of the mind and surroundings, followed by lighting a lamp (diya) and placing her idol or image on a clean, decorated altar. Red flowers, fruits, coconut, and sweets like malpua or peda are offered, as these symbolize nourishment, devotion, and happiness. Devotees also place a lotus or a symbolic child idol representing Skanda on her lap to honor her maternal aspect.

Reciting her mantra:
“ॐ स्कन्दमातायै नमः (Om Skandamatayai Namah)”
with devotion awakens her divine energy, bringing courage, strength, and spiritual growth to the devotee. Special prayers such as Durga Saptashati, Skandamata Stotra, or Dhyana Mantras are chanted to invoke her blessings.

Spiritually, worshipping Maa Skandamata removes fear, negativity, and emotional instability. She blesses her devotees with wisdom, fearlessness, and the power to overcome obstacles, while nurturing their hearts with love, compassion, and devotion. Her puja is not just a ritual but a celebration of divine motherhood, courage, and the protective power of Shakti.

The ritual of worship begins with purifying oneself through bathing and wearing clean, preferably red or yellow attire, as red symbolizes strength and energy, and yellow symbolizes purity and devotion. The altar or puja area is decorated with flowers, especially lotuses, and a lamp (diya) is lit to invoke her divine radiance. Devotees place an idol or picture of Maa Skandamata, often seated on a lion and holding baby Skanda in her lap, to honor her maternal aspect. Offerings typically include fruits, sweets, coconut, and red flowers, which represent devotion, nourishment, and auspiciousness.

Mantras of the Divine Avatar

ॐ स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥

“I bow to Maa Skandamata, the divine mother of Lord Skanda, who blesses her devotees with courage, strength, and protection from all evils.”

Aarti of the Divine Avatar

सिंह पर माता स्कन्दमाता,
सकल जग में प्रकाश फैलाती।
सिंहवाहिनी, करुणामयी,
जय स्कन्दमाता माता।
जय स्कन्दमाता माता॥

“O Mother Skandamata, who rides a lion and spreads light throughout the world. You are compassionate and fearless. Victory to you, O Divine Mother!”