During the holy festival of Navratri the worship of Skandamata is prescribed on the fifth day. As the embodiment of affection and motherhood this goddess is the mother of Lord Kartikeya who is also known as Skanda. Scriptures depict her in a gentle and compassionate form sitting on a lotus flower while carrying her young child in her lap. However behind her peaceful appearance lies the image of an extremely powerful protector. Puranic legends describe an incident where the mother protected her son from a secret demon attack and saved the future of the entire universe.
The Fear of Tarakasura and That Prophecy
When Skanda the son of Mahadev and Mother Parvati was born, a wave of joy spread across the celestial realm. According to an ancient prophecy only Kartikeya could slay the mighty demon Tarakasura. Tarakasura had obtained a boon through his penance that only a son of Shiva could kill him. As soon as he received the news of the birth of the child he became extremely terrified. He knew that if this child survived and reached youth his end was certain. To avoid his death he hatched a conspiracy and activated his most cruel demons.
The Secret Attack of Vidyunmali and That Night in Kailash
Tarakasura sent his most trusted and illusory follower Vidyunmali on a secret mission. He ordered that the child be killed before he could become powerful. One night when deep peace prevailed around Mount Kailash and young Skanda was resting safely in the lap of his mother Vidyunmali entered the boundaries of the mountain. He used his demonic powers to make himself invisible so that Nandi or other attendants of Shiva could not see him. He cleverly reached near the spot where the mother was sitting with her son.
The demon thought he would succeed but he forgot one truth that nothing remains hidden from the eyes of a mother. As soon as Vidyunmali drew his poisonous sword the eyes of Maa Skandamata opened. Her gentle face lit up with the fire of anger in an instant. She sensed that there was a danger to the life of her son. The mother immediately abandoned her affectionate form and took the resolve of a warrior goddess. Her mount the lion let out such a fierce roar that the entire Mount Kailash trembled. That sound echoing through the mountain caves was enough to create fear in the heart of the demon.
What Happened When Illusory Powers Were Confronted
Seeing his defeat near Vidyunmali started creating illusory deceptions. He spread several fake moons and a web of darkness in the sky so that the mother would get confused. But Goddess Skandamata is the symbol of wisdom and consciousness. She pierced through that darkness with a single glance. When the demon tried to attack her with his magical mace the mother caught it in mid air. She released a bolt of her divine energy which burnt all the weapons of Vidyunmali to ashes. The mother defeated that demon and proved that her motherhood is her greatest strength.
Security of the Protector of the Universe
After this battle Lord Kartikeya remained completely safe. This bravery of the mother ensured that the great warrior of the future could end Tarakasura when the time came. If the mother had not protected him that night the establishment of righteousness would not have been possible. This is why devotees consider her the goddess of wisdom and power. She not only shows the path to salvation but also protects her devotees from every crisis. Her form teaches that creation and protection are two sides of the same coin.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Glory of Skandamata
Why is Maa Skandamata worshiped?
Worshiping her grants devotees the happiness of having children and removes the obstacles coming into life.
What is the appearance of Skandamata?
The mother has four arms in which she holds lotuses in two hands. One hand remains in a gesture of blessing and she holds Kartikeya with one hand.
Is Skandamata only a goddess of peace?
No she is a symbol of both peace and war. She is affectionate when the child is safe and takes the form of death when her child is in danger.
Who was Vidyunmali?
He was a general of Tarakasura who had mastery over magical and illusory powers and had made a secret attack on Kailash.
Why is Kartikeya called Skanda?
According to the scriptures he was given the name Skanda (derived from the Sanskrit word Skand meaning to leap or spill) because of being born from divine energy and due to his unique martial arts.
