Skandamata
Discover Skandamata, devotional traditions and prayers in AartiSetu.
Introduction
Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga in the commonly followed Navadurga sequence and is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. She is depicted with her son Skanda (Kartikeya) and represents maternal love, protection, and divine strength.
Maa Skandamata is revered as the fifth of the nine Navadurga forms. In the commonly followed Navratri sequence, devotees worship her on the fifth day, Panchami.
Her name combines Skanda, another name for Lord Kartikeya, and Mata, meaning mother. Traditional images show her seated on a lotus and holding the child Skanda, often with four arms. She is also known in some devotional descriptions as Padmasana Devi because of her lotus seat.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-skandamata.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/skandamata
Names and Meanings
The name Skandamata means “Mother of Skanda,” referring to Lord Kartikeya. Other devotional names refer to her lotus seat and her place among the Navadurga.
Skandamata
स्कन्दमाता
Mother of Skanda, also known as Kartikeya.
Padmasana Devi
पद्मासना देवी
The Goddess seated on a lotus.
Navadurga
नवदुर्गा
One of the nine revered forms of Goddess Durga.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-skandamata.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/skandamata
Divine Identity and Relationships
Skandamata is understood as a form of Goddess Parvati or Durga in her role as the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), the deity associated with war and divine protection in Hindu traditions.
Her iconography often shows four arms: two holding lotuses, one supporting or holding the child Skanda, and one in a blessing gesture. She is commonly depicted seated on a lotus, while some images show her riding a lion. Details differ across regional and artistic traditions.
associated
Lord Skanda (Kartikeya)
Her son; the name Skandamata means Mother of Skanda.
associated
Goddess Parvati
Skandamata is worshipped as a maternal form of Parvati.
associated
Goddess Durga
Skandamata is the fifth form in the commonly followed Navadurga sequence.
Child Skanda
Represents her identity as a mother and the nurturing, protective aspect of divine power.
Lotus seat
A prominent iconographic feature associated with purity and spiritual elevation.
Lotuses in her hands
Commonly depicted in traditional images; associated devotionally with purity and auspiciousness.
Blessing gesture
Represents grace, reassurance, and the giving of blessings.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-skandamata.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/skandamata
Sacred Stories
Skandamata's identity is closely tied to the birth and divine role of her son, Skanda or Kartikeya.
In Hindu traditions, Skanda (Kartikeya) is revered as a divine commander associated with overcoming powerful forces that threaten cosmic order. Skandamata is worshipped as his mother, and her image holding the child expresses the relationship between nurturing love and protective strength.
The Navadurga tradition places this maternal form at the fifth position. Devotees often understand her worship as a prayer for the well-being of children, family protection, and the wisdom to combine tenderness with courage.
Her lotus seat is a central feature of many depictions and is reflected in the name Padmasana Devi.
Many traditional images show Skandamata seated on a lotus, giving rise to the devotional epithet Padmasana Devi. The lotus is often interpreted as a symbol of purity and spiritual unfolding.
This imagery invites devotees to cultivate a clear heart and steady mind while caring for others with patience and compassion.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-skandamata.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/skandamata
Bhog and Offerings
Offerings to Maa Skandamata vary by region, family custom, and temple tradition. Bananas are often mentioned in popular Navratri devotional guides; fruit, flowers, and clean vegetarian bhog are also common.
Bananas
A commonly mentioned offering associated with Maa Skandamata in popular Navratri worship guides; customs vary.
Fruit and flowers
Common devotional offerings during Navratri, selected according to household or temple custom.
Vegetarian bhog
Offer cleanly prepared food according to the tradition followed by the family or temple.
Offerings differ by region and household; no single menu is universal.
Prepare bhog cleanly and distribute it as prasad according to customary practice.
People observing a fast should follow a practice appropriate to their health and established tradition.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-skandamata.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/skandamata
Dhyan and Devotional Contemplation
Contemplating Maa Skandamata can focus on maternal care, patient strength, and the balance between nurturing others and maintaining inner steadiness.
Sit comfortably and remember Skandamata holding child Skanda, breathing naturally and allowing the mind to settle.
Reflect on how to support someone you care about while respecting their dignity and independence.
Bring to mind a responsibility that needs patience, and consider one calm and helpful action.
How can I care for others without losing my own inner steadiness?
Where can I combine patience with courageous action?
What practical act of care can I offer to my family or community?
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-skandamata.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/skandamata
Worship and Puja Practices
Maa Skandamata is commonly worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Ritual details differ across regions and households; follow your family or temple tradition.
Clean the place of worship and arrange the Goddess's image, water, flowers, and customary offerings.
Offer flowers, fruit, and other customary vegetarian food with devotion.
A commonly recited mantra is “ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः” (Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah).
Prepare yourself and the worship space with cleanliness and a calm mind.
Place the image of Maa Skandamata respectfully and begin with a prayer according to your tradition.
Offer flowers, water, fruit, or customary bhog.
Recite the Skandamata mantra or a prayer familiar to your household.
Conclude with aarti if customary and distribute prasad respectfully.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-skandamata.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/skandamata
Festivals
Sharadiya Navratri
The nine-night festival in the lunar month of Ashwin; Gregorian dates change each year.
Maa Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day in the commonly followed Navadurga sequence.
Chaitra Navratri
A nine-night festival observed in the lunar month of Chaitra; Gregorian dates change each year.
Devotees who follow the Navadurga sequence worship Skandamata on the fifth day.
https://www.drikpanchang.com/hindu-goddesses/parvati/durga/navdurga-skandamata.html
https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/navratri/skandamata