Skandamata is the Goddess worshipped on the fifth day of the
nine days of Navratri Puja. Mother Goddess is known as Skanda Mata because she
is the mother of Skanda or Kartik or Muruga – the commander of the army of Devas.
Goddess Skanda Mata rides on a lion. Sometimes she is
depicted as riding on a peacock. She
sits on her Vahana or vehicle in the lotus position – padmasana. Thus she is
also known as Padmasan Devi.
Skanda Mata is four armed. She holds lotuses in her two
hands. With one hand she holds the young six headed Skanda or Kartik. One of her
hand is in Varada Mudra posture.
Story of Skandamata
Three demons – Surapadma, Simhamukha and Tarakasura – armed
with powerful boon that only a son born of Shiva would kill them embarked on a
massive rampage and devastation.
The demons were of the belief that Shiva who was in deep
meditation will not return to the life of a householder. So they thought the
one destined to fight them will never be born.
On advice of Brahma, Kamdev deployed his arrows on flowers
to wake up Shiva from his meditation and instill passion for the benefit of the
world. Kamdev succeeded in his mission
The divine spark that emanated from Shiva as a result
divided into six and Vayu (wind) and Agni (fire) carried them and deposited it
in Ganga . The Holy River
The six Devis (goddess) of Karthikai – the third
constellation of the 27 birth stars – took care of the six babies. Goddess
Parvati on realizing that the divine manifestation has taken place rushed to
the spot and lifted the six babies up. Suddenly the six faces and twelve hands
merged into One – Skanda was born.
Related
Skanda Mata Mantra
Related
Skanda Mata Mantra