Navratri is a spiritually significant festival, celebrated with immense fervor and devotion. It spans nine nights, each dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga.
The festival highlights the divine feminine energy or Shakti, and each day represents a specific manifestation of Durga, emphasizing her different roles as the creator, preserver, and destroyer.
On the fifth day of Navratri, October 7, 2024 (Panchami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Ashwina), devotees honour and invoke the blessings of Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), the god of war.
Mantra - सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माञ्चित करद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥ या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
The story of Skandamata is about the birth of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, and the role of his mother, Goddess Parvati, in nurturing him. She represents the ultimate nurturing force, protecting her children and guiding them with love, wisdom, and strength. Her gentle yet powerful form reminds us that a mother’s love can conquer all and that with compassion comes immense power.
In Hindu mythology, Skandamata is depicted with four arms, cradling her six-faced infant, Kumar Kartikeya, in her lap. Her upper right and left hands hold lotus flowers, while she is also known as ‘Padmasana Devi’ as she sits in a meditative pose upon a lotus.She represents motherly love and is considered the epitome of motherhood.
As Meera prepared her altar on this fifth day of Navratri, she felt a deep connection to Goddess Skandamata. A mother herself, Meera knew what it meant to protect, nurture, and guide her children through life’s challenges. Today, her prayers were not just for herself but for her family, for their safety, and for their well-being.
She began her pooja by placing an idol of Skandamata on the altar— the idol, crafted with intricate details, was a symbol of the goddess’s divine grace and motherly strength. Next, she offered a lotus flower, the sacred flower of Skandamata, representing purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening.
With her diya lit, Meera offered white rice grains (Akshat) and yellow turmeric powder to the goddess. The golden-yellow hues reminded her of the goddess’s radiant love and protection, enveloping her home in a sense of calm and warmth.
Finally, she placed a bowl of bananas and fruits before the goddess. Skandamata, depicted holding her son Lord Kartikeya in her lap, is known to bless her devotees with health and prosperity.
At Pooja Lok, we understand that every offering carries meaning, and every prayer holds intention. That’s why we provide the thoughtfully curated Pooja Essentials, so your connection with the divine is pure and spiritual. Each product we offer is designed to enhance your spiritual journey, helping you honor Goddess Skandamata and all nine forms of Durga, with the care and devotion she deserves.
At Pooja Lok, we don't just provide products—we deliver devotion and spirituality and hence we consider ourselves as Your Spiritual Partner