Thursday, November 14, 2024

Navratri Day 5: Devi Skandamata: Symbolizing Motherly Love and Protection

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Devi Skandamata, the fifth manifestation of Ma Durga, is worshiped on the fifth day of Navratri. She embodies the spirit of motherhood and protection. Unsurprisingly ancient Sanatanis would also ask for her blessings before facing their enemy in battle. Probably the concept of a no better protector than a mother comes from this roop of Ma Shakti. With her ruling Graha Mars, this goddess delivers many useful teachings to modern Sanatani Indians. Let us walk the path of Dharma to uncover the beauty of this feminine divine.

Devi Skandamata – The Fifth Manifestation

Worship Maa Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri - Odisha Bhaskar English
PC Odisha Bhaskar English

Devi Skandmata is the fifth manifestation of the Ma Durga. Her name means “Mother of Skanda.” Skanda is another name for the war god Kartikeya. She is depicted as a beautiful woman with four arms, seated on a lotus throne with her son Skanda in her lap. In her hands, she holds a lotus, a mace, a sword, and a child.

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Ma Skandmata is considered to be the embodiment of motherly love and protection. She is the only roop of Ma Shakti who is portrayed as both a warrior and a mother. Thus, she is also known as the goddess of strength and courage. She is worshiped by women to seek the blessings of fertility and progeny. Similar to all mothers, her blessings grant her devotees protection from harm. Sometimes she is also worshiped by soldiers and warriors to seek an ashirwad of protection before going into battle.

Her Vandana is as follows:

वन्दे वाञ्छित कामार्थे चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्। सिंहरूढ़ा चतुर्भुजा स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनीम्॥

धवलवर्णा विशुध्द चक्रस्थितों पञ्चम दुर्गा त्रिनेत्राम्। अभय पद्म युग्म करां दक्षिण उरू पुत्रधराम् भजेम्॥

पटाम्बर परिधानां मृदुहास्या नानालङ्कार भूषिताम्। मञ्जीर, हार, केयूर, किङ्किणि, रत्नकुण्डल धारिणीम्॥

प्रफुल्ल वन्दना पल्लवाधरां कान्त कपोलाम् पीन पयोधराम्। कमनीयां लावण्यां चारू त्रिवली नितम्बनीम्॥

Meaning:

We bow to thee who fulfills the desires of her devotees, with a crescent moon adorning her forehead! She who rides a lion, has four arms, and is renowned. We bow to thee O Skandamata!

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She who is adorned in white, seated on a lotus, possesses three eyes! She who displays the abhaya mudra with her two hands! We bow thee O Mother!

She who is the mother of Skanda! She who is enriched with various ornaments like anklets, necklaces, bracelets, and gem-studded earrings! We bow thee O Mother!

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Her graceful and charming appearance, her gentle smile, and the three beautiful lines on her abdomen enhance her captivating beauty! We bow thee O Mother!

Devi Skandamata and Her Ruling Graha Mars

Skandamata,ಚಿತ್ತವೃತ್ತಿಗಳ ಶಮನ ಮಾಡುವ ಸ್ಕಂದಮಾತೆ - skandamata devi bless you to get happy life - Vijay Karnataka
PC Vijaya Karnataka

Ma Skandamata is ruled by the Graha Mars or ‘Mangala.’ The planet symbolizes courage, determination, and the spirit to conquer obstacles. Thus, many devotees seek Ma Skandamata’s blessings to absorb warrior-like energy. Her worship helps devotees gain fearlessness in the face of adversity.

This roop of Ma Durga is the complete form of a woman. She is a wife, a mother, and a protector. Ma Skandamata’s protective aura envelops her devotees, offering them shelter and security. Her motherly roop represents the creative force that gives birth to new life and ideas. Thus, all those who bow before this avatar of Ma Shakti seek blessings of creativity and courage.

Lesson for Modern Indians

Ma Skandamata can help modern Indians embrace fearlessness in their pursuit of goals and dreams. This warrior-mother manifestation of Ma Durga underscores that Sanatanis can overcome challenges with unwavering determination.

As the only roop of Ma Shakti that manifests with a child in her lap, she is the epitome of the nurturing and protective energies of the cosmos. She teaches Sanatani women to stand tall and strong as she shield to protect their children. 

Ma Skandamata and her ruling Graha Mars reinforce Modern Sanatani Indians’ creative potential. This roop helps devotees to accept their ability to give birth not only to physical life but also to innovative ideas and solutions.

Devi Skandamata, with her ruling Graha of Mangal, empowers Sanatanis to embrace their inner strength and fearlessness. By embodying the protective love of a mother and recognizing their creative power, modern Indians can conquer obstacles, nurture a brighter future, and be a conduit for creativity. This celestial avatar of Ma Durga serves as a beacon of courage and resilience. It guides Sanatani Indians to protect and nurture their loved ones. May the grace of this roop of Ma Shakti help Sanatanis harness the creative fire of the universe! May aradhana help modern Indians emerge empowered and fearless to face their lives with determination and strength!

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