Informative

Maa Skandamata: The Divine Mother of Wisdom and Prosperity

On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees worship Maa Skandamata, the divine mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), the warrior son of Shiva and Parvati. She is the Shakti (divine energy) behind Kartikeya, who was chosen as the Senapati (Commander-in-Chief) of the celestial army to defeat the demon Tarakasura. According to the ancient scriptures, Tarakasura had received a boon that he could only be slain by Shiva’s son. Thus, the birth of Skanda was orchestrated by the divine forces to protect the Devas (celestial beings) from the demon’s tyranny.

Skanda is also revered as Kumar, Kartikeya, and Shaktidhara, and in her divine form, Maa Skandamata holds her son in her lap. She is depicted with four arms, three eyes, holding two lotus flowers, blessing devotees with one hand in Varada Mudra, while the fourth hand carries her divine child.

Spiritual and Astrological Importance of Maa Skandamata

Worshipping Maa Skandamata bestows Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation). She governs the Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat Chakra), and her sadhana elevates the Sadhak’s (practitioner’s) energy to higher realms, unlocking the Ajna (Third Eye) and Sahasrara (Crown) Chakras. As a result, the devotee experiences divine intuition, mental clarity, and spiritual ascension.

Mantra for Speech Purity and Eloquence

If one suffers from speech disorders, communication issues, or misunderstandings, this mantra should be chanted with devotion:

सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्मामश्रित कर द्वया।
शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कंदमाता यशस्वनी।।

“Simhasanagata Nityam Padmashrita Karadvaya,
Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashaswini.”

Reciting this mantra enhances Vak Shakti (power of speech), bringing eloquence and wisdom. Maa Skandamata is also known as Padmasana, as she is often depicted seated on a lotus (Padma). She is particularly fond of offerings made of bananas, and devotees should offer her white flowers and wear white attire during her worship.

Maa Skandamata and Planetary Remedies (Mangal Dosha)

Since Skanda (Kartikeya) is the ruling deity of Mars (Mangal), worshipping Maa Skandamata helps in pacifying Mangal Dosha, ensuring success in career, business, and relationships. Devotees suffering from malefic effects of Mars in their horoscope should perform her sadhana to mitigate conflicts, aggression, and instability.

For blessings of wisdom, strength, and prosperity, one should chant the following mantra 108 times:

“ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं स्कंदमातायै नमः”
“Om Aim Hreem Kleem Skandamatayai Namah”

(Translation: O Maa Skandamata, the bestower of wisdom and prosperity, I bow to you.)

Mantra for Progeny and Fertility

If one is seeking children or facing obstacles in childbirth, they should wear yellow attire, offer yellow flowers, and chant the following mantra with devotion:

“ॐ देवी स्कंदमातायै नमः”
“Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah”

After chanting, offer yellow food items like besan ladoo or kheer to Maa Skandamata, praying for a blissful and healthy child.

Sacred Temples of Maa Skandamata

Maa Skandamata is venerated in several temples across India, with the most famous being Jagatpura, Varanasi, where she is worshipped as Bageshwari Devi. According to legends, Maa Skandamata appeared here to protect the saints from demonic forces. She continues to shield her devotees from negative energies and fulfills their wishes.

In Madhya Pradesh, Vidisha, a grand Navratri celebration is held in her temple, where her eternal flame (Akhanda Jyoti) burns perpetually, symbolizing her infinite presence.

Final Invocation to Maa Skandamata

O Maa Skandamata, the mother of divine wisdom, strength, and protection, bless us with spiritual growth, health, and prosperity. May your grace illuminate our path, dispelling all obstacles and guiding us toward Dharma, Bhakti, and Moksha.

“Om Skandamatayai Namah”

May Maa’s blessings remove all afflictions and bring eternal bliss. Jai Maa Skandamata!