Who Is Maa Skandamata: The Symbol of Motherhood, Devotion and the Blessings of Mercury?
By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
Fifth Day of Navratri: Spirituality, Worship, Astrology and Life Guidance
Table of Contents
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, who is the fifth divine form of Goddess Durga and embodies supreme strength, compassion and maternal wisdom. This day holds special importance for devotees, for in this form the goddess cradles her son Kartikeya (Skanda) while protecting the world. In Vedic astrology, Maa Skandamata reigns as the deity of the planet Mercury, signaling her profound spiritual and transformative influence.
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Form and Symbolism of Maa Skandamata
What Does the Goddess Represent?
Maa Skandamata is depicted seated on a lion with four hands: two holding lotus flowers, one extended in Abhaya Mudra (blessing gesture) and the fourth cradling the young Kartikeya. Her appearance radiates peace, nurturing love and divine brilliance.
Table of Key Attributes
| Element | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Lion | Power and bravery | Triumph in adversity |
| Lotus | Purity and knowledge | Mental delight |
| Child Skanda | Valor and hope for future | Nurturing motherhood |
Her Colors, Flowers and Offerings
Maa favors the color yellow, marigold flowers and bananas. Worship of Skandamata is especially performed for Mercury’s blessings. Offering yellow garments, yellow fruits like bananas and marigold flowers removes Mercury’s negativity. Her preferred offerings bring mental clarity, health and prosperity.
Legends, Astrology and the Divine Importance of Maa Skandamata
Vedic Significance of the Goddess
Hindu legends narrate that when demons became invincible and troubled the gods, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s son Skanda (Kartikeya) was chosen as commander of the divine army. Kartikeya, with great valor, defeated the demon Tarakasura, restoring victory to the gods. Maa Skandamata, as mother, protected Kartikeya, instilling knowledge, strength and courage.
Maa Skandamata in Astrology
In Vedic astrology, Maa Skandamata presides over Mercury (Budh), the planet of intelligence, communication, comprehension, education and commerce. Worship of Skandamata is recommended for relief from negative Mercury effects, harmonizing one’s horoscope and for the attainment of wisdom, health, intellect and prosperity.
Table: Maa Skandamata and Mercury
| Attribute | Link with Mercury | Reward from Goddess |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | Negotiation, education | Sharp intellect, wisdom |
| Health | Mental and physical | Disease protection, well-being |
| Prosperity | Commerce, transactions | Wealth, abundance, success |
| Communication Skill | Sociability, speech | Improved relationships, positivity |
Read about the Day 6 of Navratri and Goddess Katyayani here.
Spirituality and Chakra Connection - What Is the Vishuddha Chakra?
Connection to Vishuddha Chakra
Maa Skandamata is considered the reigning deity of the Vishuddha (throat) chakra, representing truth, communication, purity and the power of speech. Her worship brings clarity in speech, self-confidence and purity of thought. Meditation, mantra chanting and relief from throat-related ailments are especially favored with her blessings.
Chakra Table
| Chakra | Description | Blessings of Skandamata |
|---|---|---|
| Vishuddha | Speech, communication | Truthful speech, calm mind |
| Ajna | Focus, control | Sharp mind, discipline |
How to Worship Maa Skandamata: Rituals and Mantras
On the fifth day, after bathing, install the idol of the goddess. Wear white or yellow clothes and offer white flowers, bananas and sugar candy. Light a lamp, offer incense and chant the following mantra:
Mantra:
“Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah”
Recite this mantra at least 108 times. Sing her aarti and devotional songs. Serve others and make offerings to the needy, as charity pleases the goddess.
Worship Table
| Ritual | Reward |
|---|---|
| Flowers & fruit | Pleases the goddess |
| Chanting mantra | Mental focus, Mercury relief |
| Offerings | Prosperity, family happiness |
| Service/charity | Purification, divinity |
Spiritual, Mental, Economic and Family Rewards
Varied Benefits of Worshiping Maa Skandamata
Devotees of the goddess receive health, intellect, wisdom, prosperity, peace of mind and family happiness. Maa removes all negative forces, diseases, difficulties and obstacles, providing courage in tough times and energizing the lives of worshippers. True devotion can transform every aspect of life.
Special Blessings
- Mental resilience originality of thoughts
- Mercury’s negative effects removed
- Child protection and family harmony
- Unified blessings from Vishnu, Shiva and Shakti
- Doorway to financial prosperity
True Devotion and Spiritual Path
What Does Devotion Mean?
Devotion to Skandamata brings:
- Self-discipline
- Purity in actions
- Truthfulness
- Service to others
- Immaculate intellect and satisfaction
Her grace offers spiritual growth, freedom from fear and makes every crossroads in life successful.
Maa Skandamata’s Story, Importance and FAQs
What Lessons Does Her Life Teach?
Maa Skandamata imparts lessons of protection, learning, surrender, fearlessness and love. A true devotee who adopts these values excels in every area and achieves both success and respect.
Maa Skandamata - FAQs
What colors and offerings are ideal for Maa Skandamata?
Yellow color, marigold flowers and bananas are most beloved to her.
Why is Maa Skandamata linked with Mercury?
Mercury signifies intelligence, education, communication and commerce; Maa Skandamata presides over these areas and her worship removes Mercury’s ill effects.
What is special about worship on the fifth day?
Special worship is performed on the fifth day, with offerings of white and yellow flowers, bananas and sugar candy, along with devotional songs and service.
What benefits does her worship bring to families?
She blesses her devotees with family happiness, child protection and harmony, bringing peace and fulfillment.
What is her chief mantra?
“Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah”This mantra should be chanted for all blessings.
The Living Presence of Maa Skandamata: Relevance Today
Maa Skandamata not only fulfills her devotees’ wishes but opens the way to strength, courage, mental power and spiritual advancement. Through worship, service and mantra meditation, every direction of life is made auspicious. True devotion, service and righteous actions are the path to her supreme blessings.
Want to know the auspicious muhurat on each day of Navratri?
Check daily timings in Panchang
