Worship Maa Skandamata for blessings of children and family bliss
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Skandamata, the motherly and nurturing form of Goddess Durga. Falling on the 8th of October this year, this day holds deep significance for devotees seeking blessings for children, family harmony, and overall well-being. Maa Skandamata, one of the nine forms of the Navdurga, is revered as the divine mother who bestows her devotees with the gift of progeny, protection, and family bliss.
The Form and Symbolism of Maa Skandamata
Maa Skandamata is depicted with four hands, holding her son Lord Kartikeya (also known as Skanda) in her lap.She rides a fierce lion, symbolizing her strength and courage, yet she maintains a serene, motherly expression that reflects her nurturing and caring nature. Her name, ‘Skandamata’, translates to ‘Mother of Skanda’, emphasizing her role as the protector and provider of her children. Lord Kartikeya, the god of war, is a symbol of valour, intelligence, and leadership, making Skandamata a powerful deity to invoke for blessings related to family, children, and mental clarity.
Connection with the Planet Mercury and Mental Clarity
Maa Skandamata is associated with the planet Mercury (Budh), which governs intelligence, communication, speech, and business acumen. Mercury plays a crucial role in our ability to express ourselves clearly, think logically, and maintain mental agility. A weak Mercury in one’s horoscope can lead to communication problems, lack of intellectual clarity, and financial instability. Therefore, invoking Maa Skandamata is believed to strengthen Mercury’s influence, leading to improved mental clarity, better communication skills, and financial success.
Rituals to Worship Maa Skandamata
On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees follow specific rituals to honour Maa Skandamata and seek her blessings. These rituals include:
Offerings of Yellow Flowers and Fruits: Yellow, the colour associated with Mercury, is considered auspicious for Skandamata. Devotees offer yellow flowers, such as marigold or flaxseed flowers, and bananas as part of their prayers, symbolizing intellect, wisdom, and abundance.
Fasting and Meditation: Many devotees observe fasts and meditate on Skandamata’s form, focusing on her nurturing and protective qualities. This meditation helps to purify the mind and enhance devotion, opening the heart to receive her blessings.
Throat Chakra Meditation: Since Maa Skandamata is linked to the Throat Chakra, meditating on this energy centre can help balance communication, allowing for truthful self-expression and better understanding within the family.
Chanting the Skandamata Mantra
Mantras play a significant role in Navratri worship, and for Maa Skandamata, the mantra to invoke her blessings is:
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah॥
Reciting this mantra with devotion helps devotees connect with the divine energy of Skandamata, seeking her blessings for peace, protection, and clarity. This mantra is particularly powerful for improving communication, eliminating misunderstandings, and ensuring the well-being of children.
Benefits of Worshipping Maa Skandamata
Worshipping Maa Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri offers numerous benefits, both spiritual and material:
Blessings for Children: As the mother of Skanda, Maa Skandamata is known to bless her devotees with the joy of progeny. Couples seeking to have children often invoke her for her divine grace in fulfilling this desire.
Family Harmony: Her worship helps in removing communication barriers, fostering better relationships between family members, particularly between mothers and their children. She brings peace and unity within the family, ensuring the well-being of all members.
Mental Clarity and Communication Skills: Since she is associated with Mercury, praying to Skandamata helps in enhancing intellectual abilities, improving speech and communication skills, and providing mental clarity. For those involved in business or professions requiring sharp thinking and articulate expression, her blessings are particularly beneficial.
Protection and Courage: As a mother who rides a lion, Skandamata embodies both nurturing love and fierce protection. She provides strength and courage to her devotees, helping them overcome challenges and protecting them from negative influences.
Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Navdurga, is the embodiment of divine motherhood, nurturing, and protection. Her blessings bring joy to families, ensuring the well-being of children and fostering peace within the home. By worshipping her, devotees can enhance their communication, remove conflicts, and gain mental clarity, all while invoking the courage and protection that she bestows. As you offer your prayers to Maa Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri, may her grace bless you with the gift of family bliss, intellectual growth, and harmonious relationships.
